Language problems | Alzheimer's Society

Non-verbal communication and dementia

If a person is finding any kind of conversation too difficult, they may use non-verbal communication. As dementia progresses, this may become the main way a person communicates. You might find these tips for communicating non-verbally useful.

‘Making a new language’: How music and culture can widen the conversation on dementia

Ronald Amanze has often felt culturally misunderstood when receiving dementia support. Inspired by Black history and the reggae music that shaped his early years, Ronald explains how culture can be a special tool to get people talking about dementia.

08 October 2020

‘I thought my dementia was menopause.’ – Marie’s story

When primary school teacher Marie had trouble remembering words, she thought her memory loss was due to menopause. She didn’t think that at 51 she would be diagnosed with dementia. Now Marie and her family want to help raise awareness.

06 October 2020

Tracy's story: ‘Mum’s expressive and receptive language was slipping gradually’

Tracy, a speech language therapist, tells us about her mum's journey through the stages of dementia and the difficulties dementia causes with language and communication.

Khalid's story: 'I want to break the cultural taboo of dementia'

Khalid is from a British Pakistani family in Leeds that helped to care for his grandfather, who had Alzheimer’s disease. Now, Khalid is raising awareness about the condition and tackling the cultural stigma of dementia.

18 September 2019

Losing your English: ‘Reverting’ to your mother tongue as dementia progresses

Dementia can affect how well a bilingual person can communicate in their second language. Read our advice for a reader whose father is losing his English language.

Colli eich Saesneg: ‘Dychwelyd’ at eich mamiaith wrth i ddementia waethygu’n raddol

Pan mae dementia yn effeithio ar allu person dwyieithog i gyfathrebu yn ei ail iaith.

Communicating and dementia – other resources

Here are other useful organisations that can provide more information and support about good communication with a person with dementia.

How could a speech and language therapist help with swallowing problems?

From the April 2015 issue of our magazine, our Ask an expert column looks at how a speech and language therapist can help when a person with dementia has swallowing problems.

What treatment and support is there for frontotemporal dementia?

There is currently no cure for frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and the progression of the disease cannot be slowed. However there are many ways to help a person with FTD live well.

Dementia and language

Dementia affects how a person can use language and communicate.

Feel the love: A carer reflects on her greatest challenge

We meet Pat Collard who supported her husband from his dementia diagnosis to his death.