1. Dementia and Communication
LaCrissa Bellomy
Marshall University
CD 315
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2. Essential Question
How does a person’s communication change from early to late dementia?
The purpose of this power point presentation is to give information on dementia and the affects it has on a person’s communication.
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3. Topics of Discussion
Through this presentation I will specifically answer:
What is dementia?
What are the different stages of dementia?
What are early and late dementia?
What is communication?
What aspects of communication are affected by dementia?
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4. What is Dementia?
Dementia is a term used for a degenerative disease of the brain that causes brain dysfunction. It can be confused with typical aging because many of the symptoms are the same (Jonker, Raiijmakers, and Spaan, 2005). Some of them are forgetfulness, misplacing things, confusion, decrease in concentration, personality changes, and impaired judgement and planning. Speech difficulty, trouble walking, and trouble swallowing can occur in the later stages.
There are many causes of dementia including Alzheimer’s Disease, Vascular Dementia, and Lewy Body Dementia (MedlinePlus, 2006). It can also be caused by reactions to medication, infections, poisoning, brain tumors, and other conditions (NINDS, 2006). Alzheimer’s Disease is the most commonly diagnosed cause (Blennow, Leon, and Zetterburg, 2006).
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5. Stages of Dementia Stage 1 No cognitive Decline Stage 2
No complaints of memory deficit.
Stage 2
Very Mild Cognitive Decline
Complaints of memory deficit such as forgetting where objects were placed and forgetting names. No deficits in employment or social situations.
Stage 3
Mild Cognitive Decline
Getting lost when traveling to unfamiliar places, word and name finding problems, evident memory deficits in interview, decreased performance in work and social settings, denial begins, person may experience some anxiety.
Stage 4
Moderate Cognitive Decline
Some memory deficit of personal history, decreased ability to travel, trouble performing complex tasks, denial. No trouble with orientation to time and place or recognizing familiar people.
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(Reisberg, Ferris, Leon and Crook, 1982)

6. Stages of Dementia Stage 5 Moderately Severe Cognitive Decline Stage 6
The person needs some assistance,is unable to recall address and phone number, has some disorientation to time and place. They know major facts about themselves, know spouse and children’s names, and are able to eat on their own. They may need help choosing clothes.
Stage 6
Severe Cognitive Decline
The person is dependent upon others, may forget the name of their spouse, not aware of recent events in their own lives, and are generally unaware of surroundings. Can usually recall own name, and recognize familiar people. Personality and emotional changes can occur.
Stage 7
Very Severe Cognitive Decline
The person’s verbal abilities are lost during this stage. Some unintelligible utterance may be heard. They require assistance with toileting and eating. They lose the ability to walk over the course of this stage.
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(Reisberg, Ferris, Leon and Crook, 1982)

7. What are early and late dementia?
Early and late dementia are not clearly defined. By early and late I am referring to onset and final stage. The purpose of looking at the changes from early to late dementia is so we can see the way communication is affected over the course of the disease.
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8. What is communication?
Communication is the exchange of information. It can be expressive or receptive. Receptive communication refers to receiving and understanding information.
Expressive communication refers to sending a message.
There are many ways a person can communicate with others. We can communicate verbally, nonverbally, or through writing/reading. Nonverbal communication can be things such as body language or gestures. Verbal communication is speech.
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9. What aspects of communication are affected by dementia?
In the early stages people with dementia may have language problems such as forgetting words or using the wrong words which can make it somewhat difficult for others to understand. (Frazier-Rios, Zembrzuski, 2005)
Those with dementia may lose the ability to read and write.
The ability to comprehend speech may be lost, as well as the ability to form speech. (Frazier-Rios, Zembrzuski, 2005)
Although those with dementia lose the ability communicate in many ways, they can understand facial expressions, tone of voice, and emotion.
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10. Real Life
Dementia not only affects the person who is diagnosed with it, but also their family and friends. Often the spouse or children become the primary care giver. This is a difficult job, as the person becomes completely dependent upon others. The personality and mood changes can also be difficult to deal with (Swenson, 2004). In the later stages it will be helpful to simplify speech but not talk down to them, initiate conversation, and repeat what you say.
As the person’s memory worsens family members often find it helpful to keep a calendar of daily events or some type of signature book that those who visit can write in. (About, Inc., 2006)
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11. Next Steps
After being diagnosed with dementia it is important to take into consideration treatment options and medications. There is no cure for dementia but some medicines may improve brain function or slow the progression of the disease. These options can be discussed with a doctor. (“About Dementia,” 2006)
As you are learning about dementia and planning for the future it’s important to find out what long term care options are available to you and decide what would be best for you, the person with dementia, and your family. Keep in contact with professionals that specialize in this area and those that can help you make the right choices.
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12. References
1. Jonker, C., Raaijmakers, J. G.W., Spaan, P.E.J., (2005). Early assessment of dementia: The contribution of different memory components. Neurophysiology, 19(5), Retrieved September, from the PsycARTICLES Database.
2. Swenson, C.R.,  (2004). Dementia diary: A personal and professional journal. Social Work, 49(3), 451. Retrieved September 30, 2006, from the Academic Search Premiere Database
3. Blennow, K., de Leon, M.J., Zetterburg, H. (2006). Alzheimer’s disease. Lancet, 368, Retrieved September 23, 2006, from the MEDLINE Database.
4. Frazier-rios, D., Zembruski, C. (2005). Communication difficulties: Assessment and intervention. Dermatology Nursing, 17(4), Retrieved September 23, 2006, from the Academic Search Premier Database.
5. About dementia. (March 3, 2006). Retrieved November 3, 2006, from
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13. References
6. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.(September 29, 2006). Dementia: Hope through research. Retrieved November 4, 2006, from
7. Reisberg, B., Ferris, S.H., Leon, J.J., & Crook, T. (1982). The global deterioration scale for assessment of primary degenerative dementia. American Journal of Psychiatry. 139:
8. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia (May 10, 2006). Dementia. Retrieved November 4, 2006, from
9. About, Inc. (February 20, 2004). Dementia treatment. Retrieved November 4, 2006, from
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