Dementia and Communication: Problems and suggestions

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When someone in a family develops dementia, family members often face problems in communication with the person. The person does not seem to understand or remember what they say, does not answer questions, says strange things, and even gets agitated or withdraws. Or the patients are unable to express their needs. Communication problems affect all caregiving activities and become frustrating for everyone concerned. This video discusses the types of problems patients face when trying to understand others or when talking to others. It offers tips on how family members can change their communication methods so as to make things easier for patients and make communication effective.

The video uses pictures and sketches to explain the suggestions, and is available in English and Hindi.

View the English video below. If the video player does not load, view the English video directly on Youtube (includes captions) Opens in new window.

View the Hindi video below. If the video player does not load, view the Hindi video directly on Youtube (includes captions) Opens in new window.

For a detailed discussion on how to talk to someone with dementia, see the page How to communicate with someone with dementia. Also, several pages are available on various care aspects, see the section Caring for persons with dementia.

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Dementia Care Notes