Communicating and dementia

Better communication can make a big difference when supporting someone with dementia. It can make things easier day to day and help you both feel more understood and connected. 

Why is communicating important for a person with dementia?

Good communication is an important part of a person’s wellbeing. It helps people with dementia to maintain relationships, keep a sense of identity and stay involved. Even as communicating becomes more challenging, there are lots of ways to connect. 

What will change as dementia gets worse?

You and the person you care for will have to change how you communicate with each other as their dementia progresses. 

This can be upsetting and frustrating for everyone. If the person with dementia is not able to express themselves, they can lose confidence and become withdrawn, or feel anxious, depressed and frustrated. 

Their behaviour may also change or become difficult to understand. 

What communicating problems might you face when you have dementia?

You and the person you care for may communicate through text messages, emails or video calls. Many of our tips and advice will be helpful for communicating in these ways, as well as in-person. Examples include using short, simple sentences and allowing the person extra time to respond.

Talking about the impact of caring can help. Talk to a friend or family member, or to a professional, such as a counsellor or dementia adviser. Call our Dementia Support Line on 0333 150 3456 or talk to other carers on our Dementia Support Forum.