Dementia and Mumbled Speech: Three Strategies for Improved Communication

Living with a loved one who has dementia is a journey of challenges and compassion, where communication can often become a hurdle. In particular, understanding a loved one who mumbles or cannot speak distinctly can seem daunting.

As an experienced professional in dementia care for over 30 years, I've realized that as the disease progresses, it inevitably impacts communication skills. But fear not, there are strategies that can help ease this difficulty.

Here are three methods you could employ to enhance your communication with your loved one:

1. Minimize Distractions

When trying to converse with someone struggling to communicate, creating an environment conducive to concentration is vital. You might unknowingly have left the TV on, or maybe you're speaking from across the room.

People with dementia often find it hard to communicate over a distance, so consider talking within 2-3 feet from them.

2. Anticipate the Message

When your loved one is having difficulty finding the right words, try to anticipate what they're trying to say. I call this "speaking dementia".

Don’t see this as correcting them, but rather aiding in conveying their thoughts. Repeatedly asking them to say things again can create frustration for both parties. Instead, attempt to fill in the blanks, decreasing their frustration over time.

3. Repeating and Pointing:

Sometimes, repeating back what you think they said, or pointing to relevant objects while asking simple clarification questions, can help decipher their intended message.

Remember, understanding and guessing what your loved one is trying to communicate can lessen their sense of frustration, isolation, or lack of control.

Although they may struggle to adapt, your adjustments and understanding can empower them, making them feel more successful in their communication efforts.

The journey with dementia is a constant learning process. By employing these strategies, you can transform communication from a daunting challenge to a manageable part of daily life with your loved one.

Remember to subscribe to my YouTube channel, "Dementia Caregiving Made Easy," for more insights and strategies on navigating life with dementia.

Read more:

How to Deal with Your Mother's Delusions Due to Dementia

Cognitive Decline: What You Need to Know

Disclaimer: These blogs, videos and any work done by Lizette Cloete OT, as a Member of Think Different Dementia, LLC, is given only as educational content and consulting work. This does not create an Occupational Therapist-Patient Relationship. The educational content and consulting work performed should not be considered medical treatment as an Occupational Therapist. The consulting work does not take the place of medical work normally performed by a licensed Occupational Therapist. Please consult a licensed Occupational Therapist for medical advice.

“Think Different” Dementia’s owner, Lizette Cloete, OTR/L graduated as an Occupational Therapist from the University of Pretoria in South Africa in 1992. She and her husband emigrated to the USA in 1993, and currently reside in South Carolina. They have 2 daughters and one son-in-love, 4 cats, one dog and 16 chickens.

Lizette has almost 30 years of experience as an Occupational Therapist in a variety of settings, the latest being in the home health environment. Among her many accomplishments, she served on the South Carolina Occupational Therapy Association’s Board of Directors from 2008-2014. She enjoys teaching on the topic of dementia, most recently presenting at a national conference on the topic “Dementia Made Simple”.