Talk therapy might be the key to mental well-being for dementia patients. Here’s how you can help them heal

For people with dementia, something as mundane as a few words of encouragement might be what keeps them from spiralling into depression.

By ET Online | Updated: Oct 17, 2022, 12.39 PM IST

Don't leave your loved one alone if they are suffering from dementia. Talk to them. Be vocal about your emotional support.

A good heart-to-heart chat may just be what people with dementia need when they are at their lowest point. A few words of encouragement and validation might act as a catalyst, drag them out from self-destructive thoughts and help them adjust to everyday life.

According to a recent study conducted by University College London (UCL) researchers, people with dementia who experience anxiety or sadness may benefit from talk therapy provided by the UK’s National Health Service.

The research team examined data from 2,515,402 people, who had clinically significant anxiety or depression and completed a course of treatment via the national ‘Improving Access to Psychological Therapies’ (IAPT) service in England between 2012 and 2019.

The researchers found that among people with dementia, the treatment proved to be clinically beneficial and 63% of them saw a reduction in symptoms of depression and anxiety, following IAPT. Meanwhile, approximately 40% recovered completely. Among the control group, 70% of participants saw an improvement in symptoms and 47% recovered.

Tact and sensitivity is a must when communicating with dementia patients. According to Alzheimer experts, for people living with dementia, communication- especially verbal communication can be extremely draining. They may experience hurdles such as :

Difficulty in finding a word
Difficulty in organising words into a coherent, logical sentence.
Repeating a word or a phrase
Reverting to first language
Talking less than usual

Here's how you can communicate with them :

Ensure the environment is serene and free from distractions. Busy environments with a lot of noise and movements can be very agitating for those living with dementia. They would not be able to concentrate on your words. Turn off the TV, keep the mobile phone on silent mode, and ask people not to come in unannounced.
Usually dementia patients have 'good' days and 'bad' days. In the 'good' days they will be able to be more vocal and express their thoughts more clearly. If you need to discuss something important or ask questions, use those days.
Ensure they are not in pain or hungry, before you initiate a conversation.
Don't rush. Don't lose patience and demand on-the-spot answers. Impatience on your end will only make the dementia patient revert to their shell. Give them time to respond.
If the patient communicates in their first language and you are not familiar with it, arrange for a family member or a friend who is fluent in the language.
If you don't have a specific topic ready, you can begin a conversation on something the patient can see or touch. Draw your references from the objects in the room.
Listen carefully. Show the patient that you are invested in what they have to say. Make direct eye contact and nod your head.
Keep a close observation on their facial expression and body language. At the barest hint of discomfort, stop the conversation.
If you haven't understood what they are trying to say, encourage them to repeat or explain in a different way.
Don't interrupt them when speaking.
Use short, simple sentences.

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