What is Aphasia in Dementia Care?

Aphasia is a disorder that robs you of the ability to communicate and express yourself.By Rachael WonderlinAlzheimer's Reading RoomImagine this: you are sitting with a group of friends. They ask, "What do you want to do tonight?" Each friend offers an idea or plan, one by one. It's your turn.You know exactly what you'd like to do tonight, and you're excited to share it.You open your mouth...and no words come out. You begin to gesture as if you're speaking, but your mouth only offers noises.Your friends look perplexed, and begin to misinterpret what you want. Finally, they say, "You're confused. You can just stay here."Dementia CareSubscribe to the Alzheimer's Reading RoomEmail:You were left out, but it wasn't because you didn't understand-- it was onlybecause you couldn't speak your mind.You tried to communicate, but your friends didn't have the patience to try and listen.Alzheimer's Care and CommunicationIf you can imagine how frustrating this must be, you can probably understand what some people with dementia are going through. A few of my residents have what is called"aphasia," which is a disorder characterized by a person's inability to communicate.Although these residents don't often use words, they each have a unique way of expressing themselves. One loves to dance. If you ask her a question and she understands, she will smile and do a little shake of her hips. She gestures, makes noises, and smiles.One day, I took a few residents to a restaurant for lunc...
Source: Alzheimer's Reading Room, The - Category: Neurology Tags: alzheimer communication tips aphasia alzheimers Aphasia Dementia dementia help for caregivers family caregiving help alzheimer's help with dementia help with dementia care memory care facility Source Type: blogs