I would love to hear from you. Send me questions or comments.

Communicating with someone who has dementia requires entering their reality rather than expecting them to function in ours. Understanding that their brain is physically changing helps us respond with compassion instead of frustration.

• People with dementia aren't being difficult or stubborn on purpose—their brain function is deteriorating
• The person looks the same but their cognitive abilities have significantly changed
• Short-term memory loss means they genuinely don't remember instructions or conversations from minutes earlier
• "Agree, don't argue" is a fundamental principle in dementia communication
• It's okay to use calming stories rather than correcting misperceptions
• People with dementia only exist in the present moment—they don't recall the past or anticipate the future
• Redirection and reassurance are more effective than arguments about reality
• The goal should be providing peace and safety in what has become a frightening world for them
• Entering their world allows for meaningful connection despite cognitive decline
• The Alzheimer's Association website offers valuable resources for dementia communication

I would love to hear from you. Please send me an email through the website with your questions or topics you'd like me to address in future episodes.

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