Dementia Communication & Care
What years of video guidance in dementia care have taught me about stress, regulation, 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 … 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
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
Frontal changes and social interpretation in dementia Blunt or rude speech in dementia is often misunderstood as intentional behaviour change. This article explains how frontal lobe changes affect inhibition and social understanding—and why communication must adapt. Overview This article explains why people with dementia may suddenly speak bluntly, lose social filters, or appear rude. It … Read more
Stress accumulation and nervous system fatigue in dementia Late-day escalation in dementia is often misunderstood as sudden behavioural change. This article explains how neurological fatigue builds throughout the day—and why behaviour often worsens in the evening. Overview This article explains why people with dementia often become more agitated, confused, or restless in the late afternoon … Read more
A clinical perspective on initiation failure in dementia care Executive dysfunction in dementia can make it difficult to initiate even simple actions. This article explains why “refusal” is often a breakdown in initiation — and how caregivers can respond effectively. In dementia care, we often hear: “He won’t cooperate.”“She refuses to get up.”“He just sits … Read more
When behaviour changes before memory does Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) often presents differently from memory-led forms of dementia such as Alzheimer’s disease. Early changes are frequently seen in behaviour, impulse control, emotional regulation, or language rather than memory. Understanding this difference is essential for how we respond. What Changes Functionally In FTD, the frontal and temporal … Read more