For someone living with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, communicating can become increasingly challenging. Finding the right words, following conversations or expressing thoughts and feelings may become difficult, while changes in hearing, concentration, memory and confidence can add further frustration.
For families and care workers, knowing how to respond can make a significant difference. Communication is about far more than words — it is about maintaining relationships, dignity, reassurance and a sense of connection.
Give them time to communicate
One of the simplest things a carer can do is slow down. Someone living with dementia may need additional time to understand a question, find the words they want or formulate a response.
Try to avoid finishing sentences for them or repeatedly asking the same question. Instead, give them your attention, maintain eye contact and allow them the time they need. A calm, unhurried approach can help reduce anxiety and frustration.
Keep communication simple and positive
Long or complicated questions can be difficult to process. Using short, clear sentences and asking one question at a time can make conversations easier.
Where appropriate, offer simple choices rather than open-ended questions. For example, asking “Would you like tea or coffee?” may be easier to answer than “What would you like to drink?”
It is also important to consider tone. Speaking calmly and respectfully, rather than sounding rushed or impatient, can help create a reassuring environment.
Look beyond the words
Communication doesn’t stop when finding words becomes difficult. Facial expressions, gestures, body language and changes in behaviour can all provide important clues about how someone is feeling.
A person who becomes agitated may be trying to communicate discomfort, fear, confusion or frustration. Rather than simply viewing a change in behaviour as a problem, carers can consider what the person may be trying to tell them.
Familiar music, photographs, objects and conversations about important people or past experiences can also provide opportunities for meaningful connection.
Put the person at the centre of care
Perhaps most importantly, communication should always remain person-centred. Alzheimer’s disease and dementia do not change the importance of being treated as an individual.
Understanding someone’s history, preferences, routines and interests can help carers develop more meaningful ways to communicate. It can also support greater independence and make everyday activities feel more familiar and manageable.
The importance of dementia training
Supporting someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia requires more than patience and good intentions. Carers need the knowledge and confidence to understand how the condition can affect communication, behaviour, mobility and everyday life — and how their approach can influence the experience of the person they support.
This is where appropriate training can make a real difference.
Acute Training Solutions’ Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness course explores the challenges experienced by people living with Alzheimer’s, including communication and activities of daily living. The training introduces a person-centred approach to care, helping delegates develop greater understanding, empathy and confidence when supporting individuals with the condition.
Available as face-to-face or virtual training, the course is designed for nurses and care staff and can be tailored to the needs of individual organisations.
Ultimately, effective dementia care is about seeing the person, not simply the condition. When words become difficult, taking the time to listen, adapt and connect can help ensure that every individual continues to feel heard, respected and valued.
