Considerations

• It is first important to understand what is occurring for the loved one. When the complexity is understood, you can communicate much more effectively.
  
  When someone has Alzheimer's, several things occur. One of the most significant is memory loss. Although your loved one genuinely wants to remember things, he may have trouble remembering who you are. When communicating with him, consider that this is not personal. This way, your communications will not be wrought with frustration and irritation and can be much more relaxed.
  
  

Gentleness

• In many ways, your loved one is reverting back to a younger age. Your loved one as helpless, dependent, and innocent in a way that she has not been since she was a child. She should be communicated as such.
  
  In the same way that you would not speak impatiently towards a child who is having trouble understand something, so too should you have gentleness and patient with an Alzheimer's patient. A little gentleness can go a long way with regards to opening the lines of communication.
  
  

Curiosity

• Curiosity is of utmost importance when dealing with a loved one with Alzheimer's. Although memory and mental cognitive functions are inhibited with an Alzheimer's patient, curiosity can help break through to the mental functions that are not inhibited by Alzheimer's. Although it is difficult in the moment, stay curious with your loved one.
  
  

Affection

• When communicating with a loved one with Alzheimer's, be sure to remain affectionate. Affection will not help with the physiological symptoms of Alzheimer's, but it will help to tap into a deep, rich part of your loved one which is unharmed by the disease. Realize that, often, your loved one isn't the one communicating with you; the disease is. Realizing this can help you remain affectionate.
  
  

Common Problems

• A loved one with Alzheimer's might swear at you. He might also forget your name or who you are. Remaining conscious of these common problems is essential when communicating with your loved ones.
  
  Another common problem is an inability to remain independent. When someone is that helpless and dependent, it can be difficult to keep the relationship from becoming hierarchical. Try your best to keep the communications on as even a level as possible.
  
  

Misconceptions

• People commonly mistake Alzheimer's as the normal aging process. This is not the case. When you assume that this is the normal aging process at play, then resentment and bitterness come into communications with your loved one.
  
  

Expert Insight

• According to the Mayo clinic staff, it can be extremely helpful, when communicating with Alzheimer's patients, to create some visual cues. For example, when the loved one wants water, he can use visual sign language cue. If he wants something to eat, he can use another. These can ease frustration and make communication much more relaxed.