Dementia Communication & Care
Demensguiden Understanding repetition as anxiety regulation Repeated questions in dementia are often misunderstood as simple memory failure. This article explains why repetition is often linked to anxiety, unmet needs, and the brain’s reduced ability to regulate itself. Overview This article explains why people with dementia keep asking the same question repeatedly. It highlights how repetition is … Read more
What video guidance has taught me about dementia, stress, and human connection Before the Room There is usually a moment before I enter the room. You can feel it in the hallway. The atmosphere has already shifted before anybody says a word. A caregiver walks out slightly too fast, shoulders held at an angle that … Read more
What looks like resistance is often something else Clinical Observation In clinical notes, we often write: • “Patient refused care” • “Patient resisted assistance” • “Patient became difficult during dressing” But families describe something different: “It worked yesterday. Today it’s impossible.” “She just says no to everything.” This creates frustration, uncertainty, and often conflict. What … Read more
Why communication strategy must shift in acute confusion Sudden confusion in dementia is not always disease progression. This article explains the difference between delirium and dementia — and how communication and clinical response must change in acute situations. Key Signs of Delirium Sudden onset (hours to days) Severe attention impairment Rapid fluctuation Increased confusion or … Read more
Fluctuation, timing and relational rhythm in communication Lewy body dementia (LBD) is a form of dementia characterised by fluctuating cognition, visual hallucinations, and changing levels of awareness. This article explains how fluctuation affects communication — and how caregivers can adapt in real-life situations. Key Features of Lewy Body Dementia Fluctuating cognition Visual hallucinations Variable attention … Read more
When social cognition breaks down before memory Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a type of dementia that affects behaviour, personality, and social understanding before memory. This article explains how FTD changes social cognition — and how communication strategies must adapt in everyday care. Key Features of Frontotemporal Dementia Personality and behaviour changes Loss of empathy and … Read more
Practical communication and real-life strategies for everyday dementia care Caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease often feels unpredictable. One moment things work. The next moment, they don’t. Many caregivers describe the same experience: These are some of the most common challenges in Alzheimer’s care. They are not random. They are responses to how the … Read more
Adapting interaction as cognition gradually declines Alzheimer’s Disease Communication in Alzheimer’s disease changes as the condition progresses. This guide explains how communication shifts across stages — and how caregivers can adapt in early, moderate, and advanced dementia. Explore the full Alzheimer Communication Guide Alzheimer’s disease is often described as a memory disorder. Clinically, that is … Read more
Understanding Fluctuating Presence and Changing Abilities in Lewy Body Dementia Lewy Body Dementia Lewy body dementia (LBD) often causes fluctuating attention and changing levels of awareness. This article explains why dementia patients may seem different from moment to moment — and how caregivers can respond in everyday situations. Explore the full Lewy Body Dementia care … Read more
Recognizing the First Symptoms of LBD and Understanding Fluctuating Alertness Lewy Body Dementia Early signs of Lewy body dementia (LBD) often include fluctuating attention, reduced alertness, and unpredictable changes in awareness. This article explains what these early symptoms look like — and how caregivers can respond in everyday situations Explore the full Lewy Body … Read more