[Dementia patients: effective communication strategies]

Abstract

The importance of effective communication with dementia sufferers has grown with the increasing prevalence of this degenerative condition. Regardless of the presence of aphasia, the vocal tones and behaviors of dementia patients are meaningful, and may signal unmet needs. If caregivers ignore or fail to respond to these messages, more irritable or aggressive behaviors may result. Therefore, it is critical for caregivers to learn and apply appropriate communication strategies and skills with dementia patients. Based on a review of the literature, this paper provides guidelines for assessing dementia patients' residual communication ability and suggests strategies and skills for communicating with dementia patients. Evidence based guidelines are important for caregivers when communicating with dementia patients in order to achieve positive outcomes and high care quality.