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Caring for Loved Ones With Dementia

More than 5 million Americans are living with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Chances are you either know someone experiencing cognitive impairment or will be a caregiver for a loved one with memory loss. So how can we continue to connect and nurture meaningful conversations with them?

The key resides in empowering yourself with proven engagement strategies. In general, having daily, positive interactions with others plays an essential role in our overall wellness, and the same is exceptionally true for those living with memory loss.

Continue reading for five tips to help you navigate positive conversations with your loved ones for greater, and more loving, connections. 

Couple walking in the courtyard.

Listen carefully and pay attention to your loved one’s body language. 

For an individual living with dementia, confusion, sadness, or even anger can become expressed when they don’t feel they are being heard. To avoid this, be in the present moment and pay close attention to your loved one’s verbal cues, body language, and physical actions. By being fully attentive, you signal to your loved one your interest in understanding their feelings. 

Daughter kissing mother on cheek.

Don’t ask too many questions.

Conversations aren’t always linear with those whose memory is impaired, so asking questions one after the other can cause more confusion for yourself and loved one. Instead, focus on individual topics and avoid open-ended or memory language questions, including those that begin with, “Do you remember?” The more they’re able to share what’s on their mind, without feeling overwhelmed by many questions, the more they’ll feel free to express themselves.

Two people are walking outside.

Avoid conflict while validating their feelings.

Repetition of phrases or words can become common when speaking to your loved one, but expressing your anger can cause more frustration for both of you. If you feel your patience being strained, take a deep breath or walk away to give you both some space. If your loved one begins to yell, validating their feelings can help them feel supported and work to diffuse the situation.

People smiling and embracing.

Use humor and laugh together.

When tensions run high, laughter can be the best medicine to reset and refocus. Does your loved one enjoy specific jokes or hearing funny stories? Using humor can break the ice and help you to further bond.

Residents enjoying a dance together.

Play beloved music.

Music is a powerful tool: it can calm us, unite us, and remind us of happy moments. Playing a favorite song or artist can be a powerful way to connect with someone who is experiencing memory loss or is nonverbal.

Create a playlist with your loved one’s favorite melodies and listen to them together as a way to open the door to many insightful and impactful conversations.


Watching someone you care about experience symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease or another form of memory loss can be difficult, to say the least. But you’re not alone. Click here for free resources to help guide you throughout your journey with dementia and memory loss, along with tips and strategies to help you care for someone you love.