Dementia and Communication Quiz

Communication & Dementia

• Dementia is a group of symptoms caused by disorders affecting the brain.
• Symptoms include memory loss, problem-solving difficulties, and language issues.
• Dementia is not one specific disease, but rather a condition with various causes, including Alzheimer's, vascular dementia, Lewy body disease, frontotemporal dementia, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.
• Currently, there is no cure for dementia.
• Treatment options and lifestyle choices may slow progression.

Communication Challenges in Dementia

• Speech and Language Challenges:

  • Word-finding issues: People may struggle to recall or find the right words.
  • Reduced vocabulary: Speech might become simpler, or the vocabulary may be limited.
  • Repetition: Repeating words, phrases, or thoughts.
  • Lack of coherence: Speech may lack a logical flow or clarity.
  • Loss of conversational skills: Interruptions, ignoring others, or failing to respond.
  • Speech abnormalities: Hesitant speech, stuttering, or incorrect grammar.

• Loss of Understanding:

  • Difficulty following conversations: People may lose track of topics or struggle with complex speech.
  • Abstract concepts: Difficulty with idioms, humor, or figurative expressions.
  • Facial expressions and gestures: Difficulty interpreting non-verbal cues.
  • Reduced reasoning skills: Challenges in processing logic or understanding what is being said.

• Non-Verbal Communication and Behavior:

  • Social norms: Loss of typical conversational conventions (waiting for turns to speak),
  • Emotional expression: Struggles to express emotions appropriately.
  • Speech volume: Speech may become softer, slower, or marked with pauses.
  • Distractibility: Difficulty staying focused or on topic.

• Advanced Stage Difficulties:

  • Mute or minimal speech: Speech may reduce significantly, or stop altogether.
  • Reading and writing: Skills may deteriorate, making written communication challenging.
  • Inability to recognize words: Loss of familiarity with written or spoken words.

Additional Contributions Causing Communication Difficulties

• Sensory impairments such as hearing and vision loss.
• Important annual hearing and vision evaluations and assistive technology (hearing aids, glasses).

Behaviors as a Result of Communication Difficulties

• Behaviours may arise from the individual with dementia not being able to communicate with those around them.
• These behaviours might be described as “challenging”, “aggressive”, or “manipulative.”
• These behaviours are a means of communication. The person is transmitting a message, need, or problem.

Responsive Behaviours

• Reframing behaviors as "responsive" directs caregivers to seek the meaning behind the behavior and provide care respectfully.

Importance of Communication for Clients with Dementia

• Communication difficulties can lead to isolation, neglect, and exclusion from social activities.
• This can result in feelings of helplessness and disempowerment.
• Recognizing and addressing communication challenges is vital to maintaining quality of life.

How Communication Happens

• Verbal communication: words we use (7%)
• Non-verbal communication: body language (facial expression, posture, and gesture) (55%)
• Para-verbal communication: tone, pacing and volume of voice (38%)
• Non-verbal communication is vital for individuals with dementia.

Importance of Non-Verbal Communication

• 93% of communication is non-verbal, hence it is particularly vital to address non-verbal communication with care-givers.

Person-Centered Care Approach to Communication

• Value individuals with dementia as individuals with unique histories, values, likes, beliefs, and strengths.
• Involve the person's abilities, preferences, and choices in care.
• Focus on the skills and abilities of the person, reassuring and being positive.
• Meeting people with dementia where they are and accepting their reality.

Believing Communication is Possible

• Communication is possible at all stages of dementia.
• A person's words, actions, and behaviours are a form of communication.
• Knowing the person will assist you in interpreting their messages.

Focusing on the Person's Abilities and Skills

• Recognize the remaining cognitive skills and abilities.
• Focus on fostering emotional well-being.
• Utilize creative and alternative methods for communication such as art, gardening, and touch (when appropriate).

Reassuring and Being Positive

• Encourage people when they are having difficulty expressing themselves.
• Be supportive and positive.
• Avoid criticizing, correcting, ignoring.
• Use humour and laughter.

Meeting the Person Where They Are

• The reality of a person with dementia may differ greatly from your own.
• Caregivers need to enter the person with dementia's world, not try to change their perception of reality.
• This means avoiding confrontations or arguments that the person's understanding is incorrect.
• Use Validation Therapy to validate feelings/thoughts/emotions.

Validation Therapy

• Understand the nature of communication with care-givers
• Enter the individual's world and validate their feelings, emotions, thoughts.
• Listen to their emotional message.
• Validation can be beneficial in preventing and addressing communication challenges.

Verbal Redirection

• Redirect is a communication method that helps better communicate with individuals with dementia.
• Redirection can be employed in both positive and negative ways.
• Negative redirection happens when you dismiss or ignore behaviour.
• Positive redirection validates the person's thoughts and feelings; allowing them to express themselves.

Successful Verbal Redirection

• Validate the person's reality.
• Listen to their perspective.
• Distract by bringing attention to another topic.
• Redirect them to an activity or topic that interests them.

Communication Techniques for HCAs in Supporting Clients with Dementia

• Caring Approach
• Talking Clearly
• Body Language
• Setting up the Right Environment
• Using the Most Appropriate Words

Important Communication Tips

• Respect and flexibility.
• Provide quiet and comfortable environments.
• Using simple and understandable language.
• Focusing on the individual, their interests, skills, and abilities.

Takeaway Message

• Communication is a vital human need and is still possible for those with dementia.
• Behaviours can be a means of communication.
• Utilize a person-centred approach to communication.

Meaningful Activities: Part 2

• Meaningful activities are activities that provide purpose, joy, and accomplishment for a person.
• Activities should be tailored to the person's interests, abilities, and the stage of their dementia.

Characteristics of Meaningful Activities

• Person-Centered: Align with interests, history, and preferences.
• Engaging: Stimulate without overwhelming, promote joy and accomplishment.
• Adaptable: Adjust to changing abilities and dementia progression.
• Purposeful: Help people feel productive and connected.

Benefits of Meaningful Activities

• Emotional well-being: reduces loneliness, anxiety, or depression.
• Behavioral management: helps reduce agitation, aggression, and restlessness.
• Cognitive stimulation: encourages memory recall, focus, and problem-solving.
• Physical health: promotes motor skills and overall health.
• Social connections: strengthens relationships and reduces isolation.

Key Considerations Before Initiating a Meaningful Activity

• Safety First: Ensure the activity is safe and appropriate.
• Timing: Note the patient's mood or energy level.
• Flexibility: Be prepared to adjust activities based on the person's response.
• Failure-Free: Choose activities manageable for the individual.
• Simple Tasks: Break activities into smaller manageable steps.
• Process over Outcome: Emphasize the enjoyment of the activity.

Examples of Meaningful Activities

• Sensory stimulation (touch, smell, sound)
• Reminiscing and memory (photos, stories)
• Social interaction (groups, pets, family)
• Physical engagement (movement, exercise)
• Creative expression (painting, drawing)
• Cognitive stimulation (puzzles, games)
• Activities of daily living (setting the table, dressing)

In-Class Activity Part 3

• Case Study 1: Information about Mrs. Adams, an early-stage Alzheimer's patient, communicating challenges, and recommended HCA strategies.
• Case Study 2: Information about Mr. Johnson, a middle-stage Alzheimer's patient, communicating challenges, and recommended HCA strategies.
• Case Study 3: Information about Mrs. Brooks, a late-stage Alzheimer's patient, communicating challenges, and recommended HCA strategies.

Test your knowledge about dementia-related symptoms and their impact on communication. This quiz covers key concepts such as aphasia, non-verbal communication, and effective communication strategies for individuals with dementia. Challenge yourself and learn more about supporting those affected by this condition.