Living With Alzheimer’s: How to Connect Without Words

Words are not required to communicate feelings of love and caring. But if your loved one is living with Alzheimer’s, the progression of the disease can make verbal conversations more challenging. It’s essential that family and friends continue to find ways to communicate and to be aware of non-verbal cues their loved one may be trying to express. These efforts can help maintain a sense of connection.

The Communication Challenges of Alzheimer’s Disease

Difficulties in conversation and communicating can occur even in the early stages for someone living with Alzheimer’s. This can often be one of the first signs. Families may notice their loved one struggling to find the right word, misunderstanding the meaning of words or becoming unable to follow a train of thought throughout a conversation.

There are some basic recommendations to help, such as always speaking directly to the person and not rushing any responses. Finding a quiet place to talk without distractions, asking yes-or-no questions and using visual cues can assist your loved one to better understand. But it’s also essential to remember that everyone living with Alzheimer’s can respond differently so you will want to tailor your interactions accordingly.

Tips to Communicate Without Words

If your loved one is in the later stages of Alzheimer’s disease, increased reliance on non-verbal communication becomes more common. You’ll want to pay attention to any expressions that may be used to communicate pain, anxiety, hunger or thirst.

Regardless of the level of communication your loved one is able to express, it’s critical to never speak about the person as if they are not there. Always include them in any conversations and acknowledge their presence. 

Although it can be challenging, there are several ways you can maintain a connection, even without words. Here are 10 suggestions to consider:

1. Use Non-Verbal Communication
   Communicate through body language, smiles and a gentle touch. Facial expressions and physical touch can convey love, affection and reassurance.
2. Utilize Visual Aids
   Pictures of family members, familiar objects or places can help stimulate recognition and memories. These visual cues can also be used to communicate needs or emotions.
3. Play Familiar Music
   Music can be a powerful tool in evoking emotions and memories. Play songs that were meaningful to your loved one in the past.
4. Create a Calm Environment
   Reduce background noise and distractions to make it easier for your loved one to focus. A quiet environment can reduce confusion and agitation.
5. Use Simple Gestures
   Simple gestures like nodding, pointing, or gently guiding their hands can help in communication. These gestures can assist them in making choices or expressing basic needs.
6. Read Aloud
   Reading your loved one’s favorite books, newspapers or magazines can be comforting. Even if they don’t understand the words, the sound of your voice can be soothing.
7. Engage in Activities
   Engaging in simple, familiar activities, such as folding towels or sorting objects, can provide a sense of purpose and connection.
8. Maintain Eye Contact
   Maintaining eye contact can make your interactions more personal and meaningful. 
9. Be Patient and Reassuring
   Your loved one may become frustrated or upset due to communication barriers. It’s essential to stay patient and offer reassurance through your presence and actions.
10. Reflect on Past Memories
    Even if your loved one may not remember recent events, talking about past memories can sometimes spark recognition and provide comfort.

The Advantage of a Memory Care Community

If your loved one is living in a memory care community, your family will have the added benefit of the knowledgeable and specially trained staff for guidance in how best to connect and communicate.

Each individual reaction to Alzheimer’s can be different. What works for one person may not be effective for another. But the community’s resources can provide suggestions and support to try different methods to discover what seems to bring comfort and reassurance to your loved one.

Memory care communities help families realize it is their presence that genuinely matters. Family and friends may feel uncomfortable with silence and worry they are causing their loved one to feel uncomfortable as well. However, the love and caring expressed by their presence will be felt, even if it cannot be verbally acknowledged.