{
  "id": 12218621,
  "title": "Slow down, reminisce if it feels right: practical tips for talking to people with dementia",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/05/slow-down-reminisce-if-it-feels-right-practical-tips-for-talking-to",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-10-05T19:10:11.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Conversation AU",
    "slug": "the-conversation-au",
    "url": "https://theconversation.com/slow-down-reminisce-if-it-feels-right-practical-tips-for-talking-to-people-with-dementia-289486"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "People living with dementia often feel left out of conversations, just like anyone else. Dementia affects memory, language, and communication skills. The changes in brain function can make it difficult for individuals to find the right words or keep up with discussions, as well as remember what they wanted to say. Dementia impacts each person uniquely, and there's no universal approach to communicating with those living with the condition. However, certain principles apply to all interactions.\n\nTo facilitate smoother communication, it's essential to be clear, respectful, and ensure the person feels valued. Simplifying communication methods might be necessary, without talking down to or infantilizing the person. Finding a quiet, distraction-free environment and limiting the group to one or two people can also help. Good lighting, proper hearing or visual aids, and undivided attention are all crucial aspects of effective communication. Using expressive body language, such as smiles and nods, can help convey meaning.\n\nPeople with dementia may occasionally say things that seem out of context or refer to past events as if they were still happening. In such cases, it's best not to correct them or lie, but instead focus on easing their distress, validating their emotions, or redirecting the conversation. Touch and reminiscing can provide comfort, and memory books can help prompt recollections of positive experiences. When reminiscing, it's essential to respect the individual's preferences, as not all memories or relationships are positive.\n\nSpeaking directly to the person living with dementia, using their name, and introducing yourself can foster a sense of connection. It's also important to slow down, give them time to respond, and show genuine interest in their past. Music, art, gardening, and spending time with grandchildren can serve as alternative ways to connect and reduce depression.\n\nDementia is a progressive condition, and its symptoms can vary depending on the time of day and other factors. Feeling tired, unwell, or experiencing pain may impede one's ability to concentrate. Sudden changes, such as confusion, hallucinations, or mood shifts, could indicate delirium, a medical emergency requiring immediate attention. Lastly, caring for someone with dementia can also take a toll on the caregiver's well-being, emphasizing the importance of self-care and seeking support when needed.",
  "summary": "The basics are the same: be respectful and don’t make assumptions. But these practical tips can make conversations more meaningful and less distressing.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}