Communication by
Penelope Roques, PDSG
Communication is a two-way affair and affects people with dementia as well as those caring for them. Loss of language is caused by damage to the left temporal lobe. The patient with semantic dementia may lose not only the ability to find the right word to express what they want to say but they also may lose the ability to understand the meaning of words and phrases spoken by others. The vocabulary they are able to use and understand becomes increasingly limited. Loss of concentration is also a contributory factor.
When communicating with a person with semantic dementia it is important to speak slowly and use short sentences. Not offering options may help, “would you like a cup of tea or a cup of coffee� is more complicated than “would you like a cup of tea� It is important to face the person with dementia and to be on the same level.
Wordbooks with pictures and dictionaries sometimes help but reading them may develop into on obsession. Making ones own wordbook is a strategy that can be used in the early stages. For instance stamps can be entered under Post Office. A speech therapist may be able to offer guidance. The ability to read and write is usually maintained to about the same level as their spoken language, but writing messages is occasionally effective.
Gestures may be understood or misunderstood and can sometimes appear threatening to the person with dementia. Using the thumbs up or thumbs sign down sometimes works. Gentle pats and hugs may take the place of words.
People with frontotemporal lobar degeneration sometimes develop expressionless faces, this also happens with Parkinson's disease. Again this hinders communication. Often coupled with this is an inability to read other people’s facial expressions. Also failure to recognize faces of well known friends and relations is often reported.
Sometimes other forms of communication appear and several members of the PDSG have shown amazing abilities to paint and draw.
The Speakability group have information on communication aids - computer software, 'talking mats', and techniques to help communicate with someone with aphasia. They are happy to talk to carers and have self help groups - can take those affected (with carer)
Speakability: Helpline Tel: 080 8808 9572
Abilitynet: Helpline Tel: 0800 269545
Aphasia Computer Team (Speech and Language Therapy Research Unit) produce aphasia friendly software: Tel: 0117 918 6529
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