{"id":5040,"date":"2022-06-16T07:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-06-16T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pegasusseniorliving.com\/broadway-mesa-village\/?p=5040"},"modified":"2026-01-04T11:27:27","modified_gmt":"2026-01-04T18:27:27","slug":"ways-to-help-loved-ones-with-alzheimers-or-dementia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pegasusseniorliving.com\/pegasus-landing-of-mesa\/blog\/2022\/06\/16\/ways-to-help-loved-ones-with-alzheimers-or-dementia\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Help Your Loved One With Dementia"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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In honor of Alzheimer\u2019s and brain awareness month,<\/a> Pegasus Senior Living Senior VP of Health and Wellness Dr. Sandra Petersen<\/a> shares some important insights to increase awareness and help us understand how best to help those living with dementia.<\/p>

What’s the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia?<\/h2>

Dementia is an \u201cumbrella term\u201d that encompasses Alzheimer\u2019s disease but also includes other diseases that result in neurocognitive decline. Vascular dementia, alcohol-related dementia, Lewy-body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia, for example, are also included under the umbrella of the term \u201cdementia.\u201d Dementia can be used as a description for any neurocognitive decline that results in loss of function that is progressive over time.<\/p>

\"Pegasus
JackF – stock.adobe.com<\/figcaption><\/figure>

How do I help a loved one with dementia?<\/h2>

1. Communication style is key<\/h3>

Communicating with someone like an aging parent living with a neurocognitive disorder like Alzheimer\u2019s (the most common form of dementia) can be challenging. That’s because one of the hallmark symptoms of dementia, along with memory loss, is difficulty expressing and comprehending ideas, known medically as aphasia<\/a>.<\/p>

Aphasia that’s associated with several forms of dementia includes word-finding problems<\/strong>. Individuals with dementia sometimes replace the words they mean with something that sounds similar. When saying \u201cfish,\u201d they may mean \u201cfind\u201d or replace \u201cbook\u201d with \u201cbank.\u201d They also tend to describe things like \u201cthe numbers on the wall that tell time\u201d to indicate they\u2019re talking about a clock.<\/p>

It can often be frustrating when you\u2019re not sure how to communicate with a loved one with dementia. Dr. Petersen shares some tips on how to communicate effectively with your loved one.<\/p>

2. Smile and position yourself at eye level<\/h3>

A genuine smile<\/strong> can set the tone for positive interaction<\/strong> and reduce<\/strong> the chance of negative behaviors<\/strong>.<\/p>

Individuals with neurocognitive disorders like dementia<\/strong> have a limited field of vision and decreased depth perception<\/strong>, especially as their disease process advances. Bend down<\/strong> or kneel<\/strong> to be at eye level<\/strong> rather than standing up straight and looking down on someone who is seated. This tactic might not be physically comfortable for you, but it will facilitate a more relaxed and respectful conversation with an individual with dementia.<\/p>

3. Address them using their preferred name and title<\/h3>

Avoid terms like “honey, baby, sugar, sweetheart,\u201d or similar terms, as these can come across as demeaning or patronizing. While you may intend it as a sign of affection, it can be confusing to the older adult with cognitive decline \u2014 and, even worse, may seem condescending.<\/p>

4. Use the sense of touch as a communication tool<\/h3>

While some people may get defensive if you enter their personal space, many appreciate a gentle touch<\/strong>. Knowing how someone responds to physical contact is essential. You might want to give a little pat on the shoulder or hold their hand as you speak with them. Gentle touch can effectively communicate that you care about them and wish to engage with them.<\/p>

5. Give them time to process and respond, and keep interactions brief<\/h3>

If you have a question, give the person a chance to respond<\/strong> before turning to others for an answer; processing slows as dementia progresses. Also, don\u2019t talk about the person as if they’re not there<\/strong>. Convey your respect by addressing them directly and including them in conversations with others. Limit your questions to just a few<\/strong> and your interaction to less than 20 to 30 minutes<\/strong>. Your goal is to encourage and provide encouragement during the conversation.<\/p>

6. Finding the right care for your loved one with dementia<\/h3>

Dr. Petersen\u2019s guidance<\/a> and extensive experience in memory care helped to build Pegasus Senior Living\u2019s signature Connections program.<\/a> The therapeutic program uses evidence-based techniques to provide greater quality of life for memory care residents.<\/p>

Connections utilizes technology and evidence-based practices to enhance lives. Residents benefit from:<\/p>