One person in three is scared of talking to someone with dementia, a survey has found. And one in five say they don’t understand the symptoms of the disease and would be fearful of meeting someone with it.
The study shows that thousands are shunning dementia victims, even when they are friends and family, leaving them isolated and unsupported.
Experts at BUPA, who commissioned the research, said relatives of those with dementia should not avoid talking to them as it was actually one of the best ways of helping them cope.
They have drawn up a Talking Toolkit, a set of guidelines with practical tips on what to say at all stages of dementia, including when a person no longer appears to be “in the present”.
Professor Graham Stokes, Director of Dementia Care, Bupa Care Services, said there was no “silver bullet” to cure people with dementia but they could be helped to live well.
He said: “We know there is a stigma associated with dementia. People are fearful of trying to communicate with those with the condition as they don’t know what to say or how to respond to what might be perceived as unusual behaviour.
“But finding ways to maintain meaningful communication is the single most important way people can support those with dementia.”
Around 800,000 people in the United Kingdom have dementia and the number is expected to double in the next 40 years. Out of a total of 4,000 Britons surveyed by Ipsos MORI, one third of those who have a friend or relative with dementia said they were not sure how to support them.
Professor Stokes said: “The more people understand about dementia, the more they will be able to help those living with it.
“The daily struggle to communicate can often leave carers feeling that there is a great emotional distance between themselves and their loved ones.
“This toolkit has been designed to bridge that gap, help carers cope and hopefully to dispel some of the misconceptions that exist about the condition.”
George McNamara, head of policy at the Alzheimer’s Society charity, said: “People with dementia need to be supported to live well rather than worry that their friends and relatives will change the way they behave towards them.”
— Daily Mail
TIPS FROM THE EXPERTS
Keep it simple, speak slowly and distinctly.
Make it brief to save the person with dementia losing the thread of discussion.
Try not to ask open questions; make it easy for someone to say yes or no.
Be patient and try not to finish their sentences for them
In a group situation, try to ensure only one person speaks at a time.
Never say “I’ve told you this before”, as they’re bound to forget information they’ve had in the past.
Try not to contradict them; move the conversation along.
Avoid distractions such as TV if trying to hold a conversation.
Be flexible to their world; even with no response, don’t speak as if they’re not there because it makes them feel frustrated and ignored.
