Problems With Words: Sign of lzheimer’s
Some of us aren’t great public speakers, no matter how hard we try. This couldn’t be further from the truth for Jack’s mother, Mary. She’s always prided herself on being an eloquent speaker, whether it was presentations at work or giving a toast at a wedding. But as Mom has gotten older, she’s been having problems with language. Jack notices that Mom has been forgetting words and getting frustrated while speaking. She’s become more emotional and tends to keep conversations simple. Jack is concerned and decides to look into what may be causing this issue.
How lzheimer’s Disease ffects Communicaton
Jack soon learns that communication problems go hand-in-hand with lzheimer’s disease. These language issues are more than just forgetting words—they encompass a broader range of communication challenges, including the following:
- Inability to Find the Right Words—One of the most noticeable problems is word-finding difficulty. This can lead to pauses in conversation as the person searches for the correct term.
- Repetition and Confusion—People with lzheimer’s disease often forget what they’ve already said and repeat themselves. This often causes confusion and misunderstandings.
- Verbal Comprehension— lzheimer’s affects comprehension, making it hard to follow complex sentences or fast-paced conversations. People with this condition may misinterpret what others say, leading to frustration and withdrawal from social interactions.
Helping With Early-Stage Dementa Communicaton Paterns
Jack has been worried that his mother has dementia for a while, and what he learns about communication problems only worries him more. After a visit to the doctor, Jack plans to implement these strategies for helping Mom with her new communication problems:
- Speaking Clearly and Simply—Jack now makes an effort to use short, straightforward sentences. He speaks slowly to give Mom plenty of time to process his words.
- Using Non-Verbal Cues—Whenever possible, Jack uses non-verbal ways of communicating. He finds that gestures, facial expressions, and visual aids can convey messages when words fail.
- Minimizing Distractions—Jack tries to choose quiet settings for conversation. Instead of keeping the TV on, he turns it off to reduce background noise whenever he wants to chat with Mom.
- Encouraging Social Activities—Mom is a bit embarrassed about her communication problems, but Jack insists she still attends bingo nights and community events. Isolation is a big issue for older folks, and Jack doesn’t want Mom’s problems with speech to affect her relationships.
- Validating Feelings—Some days are rougher than others, and Jack is committed to being a shoulder for Mom to lean on. He acknowledges her emotions and maintains an empathetic attitude toward his mother’s health issues.
Look to Professional Caregivers for Support
Dealing with early-stage dementia communication patterns can be challenging for family caregivers. Jack is starting to feel overwhelmed, so he reaches out to professional caregivers for help. He finds that working with trained caregivers helps him better understand how to care for Mom on his own. They also provide respite care when he needs a break.
Contact BrightStar Care of Oak Brook, IL Today
The signs of dementia and lzheimer’s disease can be daunting. But with BrightStar Care on your side, you can help your loved one manage the symptoms. We serve families in Oak Brook, IL, and beyond with the highest standard of care. Contact us today to learn more about our specializations.