How Dementia Affects Communication?

Persons living with dementia experience changes in the brain's temporal lobe that affect their ability to process language. Even in the disease's early stages, caregivers may notice a decline in formal language (vocabulary, comprehension, and speech production), which all humans rely upon to communicate verbally.

How is dementia a barrier to communication?

As the illness progresses, the person with dementia gradually loses their ability to communicate. They find it more and more difficult to express themselves clearly and to understand what others say. It is important to check that communication problems are not due to impaired vision or hearing.

Why do dementia patients struggle to communicate?

As well as difficulties with how they use words and language, people with dementia are likely to have sight or hearing problems which can also make it harder to communicate.