Come comunicare con una persona affetta da demenza. Linguaggio verbale e non verbale.

So how can we facilitate verbal and nonverbal communication in dementia? One of the symptoms of dementia is impairment of the language area, both in terms of production and comprehension. First of all, it is important to ensure that communication is not impeded by physical problems (e.g., hearing, vision, or denture problems). Let's remember that in everyday situations, verbal and nonverbal communication are closely interconnected. For communication to be effective, it is important that verbal and nonverbal communication be coherent and synchronized, to avoid sending confusing and conflicting messages. In general, try to adopt a calm, quiet, welcoming, and positive approach. What does all this mean in concrete terms? What should we do? Here are some tips for verbal communication: Try to adapt your language style: speak slowly, with short, affirmative sentences, and simple, positive terms. Avoid unnecessarily highlighting mistakes. Instructions for Nonverbal Communication: Sit facing the patient, look them in the eye, and try to encourage them to speak. Adopt an open posture with arms open. Observe, listen actively, and try to capture the other person's emotions. What NOT to do: In verbal communication: Do not use negatives or double negatives. Do not use metaphors, similes, idioms, or allegories. If abstract thinking is impaired, do not use irony or double entendres, as they will be interpreted literally and therefore misinterpreted. With regard to Nonverbal Communication: Do not speak with your back to the person, do not look away. Do not stand with your arms crossed or with a rigid posture that conveys closure. When verbal communication is impaired, Ineffective…only nonverbal communication remains: If the linguistic channel is compromised and has lost its role, there's no point in trying to communicate at all costs with words. It's better to focus on the sensory channel and not on the verbal content of communication. In fact, nonverbal components are equally important, because they communicate and trigger emotional cycles that in turn influence behavior, such as gazes, tone of voice, volume, facial expressions, posture, gestures... Physical contact is also part of nonverbal language. The tactile sensory channel is very important. Even physical contact communicates something. Caressing, cuddling, gently guiding someone's movements, or combing their hair is very different from grabbing or squeezing an arm, or pushing to speed up a movement. Let's remember that physical sensations are present in a person and influence their emotional state, therefore they can agitate or calm them. It's best to gradually introduce physical contact (to provide affection, support, and reassurance). It's important to observe the patient's reactions and respect their timing. We pay close attention to daily routines such as hygiene, feeding them at lunchtime, helping them get in or out of the car... ALWAYS KEEP IN MIND: Create positive relational cycles. Maintain a positive and reassuring attitude. The patient never stops resonating and responding to environmental stimuli, even in the most severe stages of the illness. It's important to always keep in mind that the emotional climate of the present moment influences behavior! ▬▬▬▬ CONTACTS ▬▬▬▬● Website 🌏 https://www.stimolazionecognitiva.info/ Facebook Page 💆‍♀️   / stimolazione-cognitiva-a-domicilio-per-anz...   ●▬▬▬▬ ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ ▬▬▬▬▬● #dementia #verbal language #nonverbal language #alzheimer's #physical contact #emotions #behaviors