Communication and language

Good communication is essential to involving people living with dementia in research and means more than sharing information. It’s about building trust, connection, and shared purpose. For people living with dementia, communication can become more challenging over time. Clear, inclusive communication can avoid confusion or frustration, shows respect for everyone’s time and helps everyone feel confident. It is a vital foundation for equal involvement. 

Communication difficulties may include:

• Trouble finding or understanding words.
• Memory or attention difficulties.
• Sensory processing differences or fatigue.
• Emotional responses to topics discussed.

These challenges can be compounded by stigma, unfamiliar environments, or inaccessible formats. But thoughtful communication can help everyone feel safe, respected, and included.

Start with empathy and ensure that the person is comfortable and find out about them and their preferences. Good practice also includes to 

• Speak slowly and clearly, using everyday language.
• Break information into small, manageable pieces.
• Avoid jargon, acronyms, or overly technical terms.
• Use supportive non-verbal cues like tone, body language and facial expressions
• Allow time to process and respond.
• Offer choices about how people receive information (e.g. written, spoken, visual)