Dementia Communication & Care
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
When explaining more stops working — and what to do instead Communicating and Dementia Communicating with someone with dementia can be difficult, especially when familiar approaches no longer work. This guide explains why communication breaks down — and what actually works in real-life situations. Explore our Practical Guide for Everyday Situations You explain.You repeat.You try … Read more
A Practical Guide for Everyday Situations Many caregivers experience the same challenge: “I try to explain — but it does not work.”“I say the right things — but the situation still escalates.”“I don’t understand why simple things become so difficult.” In dementia care, communication is no longer mainly about information. It is about regulation. This … 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
Communication as clinical intervention In dementia care, communication is often described as “being calm,” “being patient,” or “being kind.” But in clinical reality, communication is not a personality trait. It is an intervention. Functional supportive communication is not about being softer.It is about being neurologically precise. Explore our dementia communication and care guides A Clinical … Read more
A clinical perspective on behaviour in dementia care In clinical notes, we often write: “Patient resisted care.”“Patient refused assistance.”“Patient became agitated during dressing.” The words are efficient.But they hide something essential. Because in dementia care, resistance is often a sign of regulation. What changes in the brain Dementia does not only affect memory. It affects: … Read more
Alzheimer’s disease often begins with changes in memory and orientation. Over time, processing capacity, language, and executive function are also affected. Understanding how these changes influence everyday function helps us adjust support more precisely. What Changes Functionally In Alzheimer’s disease, early changes often affect: As the condition progresses, it may also influence: The person may: … Read more
Frontotemporal dementia often presents differently from memory-led forms of dementia. 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 systems that support regulation and social interpretation are affected. This can … Read more