Communicating Effectively with Dementia – Program Recap

Published May 14, 2026

One of the many complications of dementia is a breakdown in the ability to communicate, both for the individual suffering from the disease as well as those caring for that individual.

Thank you to Linda Devonish-Mills for exploring the difficult, yet critically important topic of communication as it relates to dementia. Dementia can have a devasting impact of those suffering from dementia as well as those surrounding that person, including caregivers, family, and loved ones. As the disease progresses, the afflicted individual may experience trouble communicating their needs and thoughts effectively, making them more irate, irrational, and possibly leading to undisclosed medical issues or conditions. Additionally, those surrounding that individual may not know how to get through to communicate important information, such as memories, important tasks, or other information. So let’s dive in and see how we can improve communication efforts associated with dementia.

Communication and Dementia

Dementia is marked by damage to brain cells that over time can affect memory, thinking, behavior and communication skills. It is critically important to understand that these changes are caused by the disease and not the person, even though it can be very easy to become frustrated with the afflicted individual. Some of the earliest changes for those suffering with dementia are related to communication, including:

• Difficulty finding the right words
• Repeating familiar words, phrases, and stories
• Describing an item when they can’t think of the word for it
• Forgetting what they were talking about in the middle of a sentence
• Difficulty organizing words in a way that makes sense
• Going back to speaking in their native language
• Speaking less often
• Using hand gestures more than speaking, such as pointing to an object instead of using its name

If you start noticing these changes in someone, it is highly recommended that they speak with their health care provider who can administer dementia related tests to determine if dementia is the cause of the changes. Throughout the process, it is critically important to remember that the individual suffering from the disease is a person with feelings and thoughts, even though they may not be able to communication those effectively.

The Person-Centered Approach

So how can we help someone whose dementia has impacted their communication skills? The best way is by taking a person-centered approach, meaning that you use what you know about the person and adjust how you care for them and communicate with them base don their unique abilities and preferences. The person-centered approach is composed of 5 elements, so let’s explore each in more detail.

Treat Them with Respeact and Dignity

This is the fundamental principal behind the person-centered approach and can establish a fruitful foundation at the onset of communication and personality changes caused by dementia. Use knowledge of the person’s likes, dislikes and communication preferences, such as calling them on the phone rather than texting so they can recognize your voice.

Call them by their preferred name to add a personal touch. Avoid talking about the person as if they are not there; this can make them feel isolated and less likely to bring up changes in their condition. Also, avoid correcting them and instead, guide them to the correct answer to give them agency. Lastly, validate their feelings, especially if they are feeling helpless, lost, or even angry; dementia is a nasty disease with no cure so building a strong support structure can have a huge impact in how someone deals with it.

Include the Person in Conversations

There is no greater way to make someone feel unwanted or a burden than by dismissing their thoughts by not even letting them communicate in the first place, especially when it comes to grappling with a dementia diagnosis. Some great ways to include the person, even if they have advanced stages of the disease are to talk directly to them, speak slowly and clearly (not loudly!) and use a clam tone of voice. Creating an inclusion communication environment can help stave off feelings of neglect, apprehension, and loniless.

Additionally, try to acknowledge what the person says, a common practice of active listening. Help them engage in conversations that are meaningful to them, such as medical decisions, short and long-term care plans, and daily routines. Also, try to have conversations about family and friends and your lives, including things you have done together; as their memory fades, these might be the only things they can relate to or give them comfort, especially when they are having moments of clarity.

Be Patient

This may be the hardest part of adjusting our communication style to help someone with dementia. Give them time to decide what they want to say and avoid interrupting or trying to speak for them. If they are struggling to find the right words or logical progression for their thoughts, give them choices. For those suffering from more severe stages of dementia, connect with them in the moment as their clarity may be fleeting. As frustrating as it can be for us trying to communicate with someone suffering from dementia, it can be equally, if not more frustrating for that person when they know what they want to say, but can’t find the rights words and string together their thoughts.

Limit Distractions

Dementia can impair an individual’s ability to process information, making them more prone to distractions, even from seemingly common things. Find a quite place that has few distractions (noises, bring/flashing lights, busy colors, etc.), getting rid of extra noise or visual distractions if necessary. Turn off or turn down the television or radio.

Have one-on-one conversations so that the person does not have to process multiple people speaking or multiple conversations. In the same vein, keep those conversations simple to allow for maximum understanding. Lastly, focus on the person by limiting your distractions such as putting away your phone, laptop, or mobile device. This can make the person feel secure and heard while also creating a inclusive environment that can encourage more conversation and open communication.

Use Nonverbal Communication

While the main focus of person-centered communication is verbal communication, nonverbal communication can also have a big impact. It can be helpful to know how to send and receive messages without using words. For instance, use positive body language and facial expressions. Use hand gestures, like pointing to an object to confirm you are understanding correctly. Make eye contact to show you are actively listening and even gently physical contact can help reassure an individual that you are listening to what they are saying. Lastly, use touch, sight, sounds and tastes as other ways to communicate, especially as the ability to verbally communicate wanes as the disease progresses.

Communicating Well with Others

We’ve been focused on strategies for communicating directly with someone suffering from dementia, but it is also important to communicate effectively and efficiently with others related to that person’s condition, such as family, friends, and health care professionals. When talking with family and friends, be open about your feelings, worries and needs; others may have the same sentiments but unwilling to be the first to share. Be open and honest to create a healthy and inclusive environment for all those affected. Have the difficult conversations when you need to and make sure everyone’s voice is heard; feeling shut out in important decisions on someone’s life can lead to problems in the future. Lastly, stay connected and check in regularly to ensure everyone is on the same page and providing the right care.

In regards to health care professionals, prepare for appointments by letting them know of any changes to a person’s condition, whether it is physical or mental. Don’t assume that they will understand what you mean so explain the details so that everyone is on the same page. Take notes during appointments so you can repeat them to the individual suffering from dementia if they forget as well as inform others in that person’s circle of care. Lastly, think about your environment; are the current conditions meeting the needs of that person (medical, physical, mental, emotional, etc.)?

More Information

Dementia is a debilitating disease that affects all involved, many times in ways we never imagined. For more information about dementia, specifically Alzheimer’s Disease, please visit the Alzheimer’s Association’s website, https://www.alz.org/; it is full of resources, tips, and opportunities to help. You can download a copy of the presentation slides at https://www.njstatelib.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Communicating-Effectively-with-Dementia-Handout.pdf and view a recording of the program on our YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/jDpZ2wwmycg.

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