Communication Key To Dementia Care

Main Category: Alzheimer's / Dementia
Article Date: 28 Jul 2008 - 3:00 PDT

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Alzheimer's Society comment: Adults with Alzheimer's disease who are talked to like children are more resistant to care.

This is according to new research presented at the International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease (ICAD).

Good communication skills and regular interaction are vital when caring for people with dementia. This research shows that speaking to people with dementia in an adult manner not only enhances their quality of life but also improves the entire care experience.

Quality care relies on simple principles and even small changes can vastly improve quality of life for people with dementia. Alzheimer's Society research is calling for mandatory specialist dementia training to help empower staff and ensure everyone gets access to a high standard of care.

Susanne Sorensen
Head of Research
Alzheimer's Society

Reference

Kristine N. Williams. Linking communication with resistiveness to nursing care in persons with dementia.

About ICAD

The International Conference on Alzheimer's Disease (ICAD) will run from Sunday, 26 July 2008 until Wednesday 30 July 2008. Cutting edge research into dementia will be presented across the conference.

About dementia

- 1 in 3 older people will end their lives with a form of dementia.

- 700,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In less than 20 years nearly a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051. 1 in 6 people over 80 have dementia.

- Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and those who care for them. Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

- As a charity, Alzheimer's Society depends on the generosity of the public to help it care, research and campaign for people with dementia. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting http://www.alzheimers.org.uk.

- Alzheimer's Society Dementia Helpline number is 0845 300 0336 or visit http://www.alzheimers.org.uk

Alzheimer's Society