FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 8, 2005

Simple Ways to Connect with Persons Who Have Alzheimer’s

Unfortunately, because it becomes harder to talk with someone who has Alzheimer’s, some people simply avoid all contact. Persons with Alzheimer’s need warmth, love and companionship just like anyone else. By learning simple strategies to communicate with someone who has Alzheimer’s, friends and family can enjoy rewarding visits with their loved ones that foster the person’s feelings of security and well being.

The Illinois Council on Long Term Care, an association of nursing home professionals, offers the following important tips for connecting with persons who have Alzheimer’s. They apply mostly to people in the middle to late stages of the disease process. As each person with Alzheimer’s is an individual, some suggestions will be more applicable than others.

Use short and simple sentences. Persons with Alzheimer’s have difficulties in processing information. Speak slowly and maintain a calm and friendly manner.

Be patient. Persons with Alzheimer’s need more time than the average person to formulate a response, up to 45 seconds in some cases. Give the person with Alzheimer’s time to process the information and reply.

Avoid open-ended questions whenever possible. Make questions specific, offering a yes/no question or choice between items. Instead of asking, "What would you like for lunch today?" ask "Do you want chicken?" or "Do you want chicken or beef?"

Minimize distractions. Persons with Alzheimer’s are easily distracted during conversations. Turn off televisions and radios, and close doors and windows.

Use non-verbal communication. Facial expressions, gestures and touch can improve understanding. Think visually – bringing in a bar of soap and towel may help someone understand that it is time for a bath.

Do not quiz someone who has Alzheimer’s. Questions such as "Do you remember me?" and "What day is this?" cause nothing but frustration and anxiety to persons with cognitive loss. Alzheimer’s has eroded their memory, and they may no longer be living in the present.

Do not argue. The person with Alzheimer’s has lost the ability to reason. Arguing just increases agitation.

Realize that a person with Alzheimer’s "lives in the moment." If a person says, "I’m waiting for my husband," telling her that her husband is dead will only upset her. She may react as though she is hearing this news for the first time.

Follow old, established routines. Things that are done over and over are more likely to be stored in the person’s long-term memory.

Be respectful. Never talk down to persons with Alzheimer’s or use condescending language. Even with Alzheimer’s, these individuals can still tell if they are being treated like children.

Plan activities that spark reminiscence. If a person with Alzheimer’s likes cars, bring in car photographs and talk about favorite automobiles. Simplify a cooking activity for someone who enjoys working in the kitchen.

The overall goal during conversations is to promote the individual’s feelings of dignity and success. Persons with Alzheimer’s are not trying to be difficult – their challenges are simply the results of the disease process. By better understanding the impact of Alzheimer’s, friends and family can make meaningful connections with these individuals who need their caring and compassion more than ever.

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Editor’s Note: For further information on connecting with persons who have Alzheimer’s, please contact Kevin Kavanaugh at (773) 478-6613.