One of the most difficult aspects of caring for someone with dementia is the loss of clear communication. As dementia progresses, a person’s ability to express themselves, understand language, and maintain meaningful conversations can deteriorate.
For carers, this can be emotionally tough, especially when the person they care for begins to speak in ways that don’t make sense, or what some might describe as "gibberish."
In this blog, we’ll explore some of the communication challenges that arise with dementia and offer practical, empathetic tips to help navigate these moments with patience and understanding.
Why Do People with Dementia Speak in "Gibberish"?
As dementia advances, the brain’s ability to process language begins to decline. In some cases, a person with dementia may seem to speak in jumbled sentences, sometimes referred to as a ‘word salad’, or their words may not make sense to others.
This phenomenon happens because the brain is struggling to retrieve and organise the right words. Imagine throwing puzzle pieces into the air and watching them land all mixed up—that’s often what it feels like for someone trying to communicate through the fog of dementia.
This can be distressing for carers who are trying to understand and connect with their loved one. You may feel frustrated, sad, or even helpless at times. These feelings are completely natural, and it’s important to remember that your loved one isn’t intentionally trying to confuse or frustrate you.
Tips for Navigating Communication Challenges
While there’s no perfect solution, here are a few tips to help ease communication with a person who has dementia:
- Be Patient and Calm
Dementia can create anxiety and frustration for both the person affected and the carer. Staying calm, speaking slowly, and giving your loved one time to respond can make a big difference. Try not to rush the conversation, even if it feels difficult to follow their words. - Use Nonverbal Communication
Sometimes a smile, a gentle touch, or even maintaining eye contact can communicate more than words. Nonverbal cues can provide comfort when verbal communication is challenging. - Simplify Your Language
Using short, simple sentences can make it easier for your loved one to follow along. Avoid asking too many questions at once or giving complex instructions. Focus on one idea at a time. - Listen with Empathy
Even when the words don’t make sense, your loved one is still trying to communicate something. Listening for emotional cues, such as their tone of voice or facial expressions, can give you insight into what they’re trying to express. - Avoid Correcting Them
While it may be tempting to correct your loved one’s speech when they say something that’s not quite right, this can lead to frustration on both sides. Instead of focusing on accuracy, focus on understanding the intent behind their words. - Create a Calm Environment
Distractions like loud noises, crowds, or even clutter can make communication harder for someone with dementia. When possible, try to have conversations in a quiet, peaceful setting to minimise confusion.
It’s OK to Feel Overwhelmed
Caring for someone with dementia is one of the hardest roles to take on, and the emotional toll of watching a loved one struggle with communication can be heavy. It’s important to remember that you don’t have to do this alone. Feelings of frustration, sadness, or even isolation are common among carers—but support is out there.
Join Our Carer Community for Support and Advice
At We Talk Care, we understand the unique challenges of caring for someone with dementia.
Our online community is a safe space where you can connect with other carers, share your experiences, and find practical tips to help you along your caregiving journey. Whether you're seeking advice or simply need someone to listen, our community is here for you.
Let’s navigate this journey together. Join us today and become part of a caring network of people who understand what you’re going through.
