Health Tip: Talking to a Person With a Brain Disorder
Talking to a person with a brain disorder caused by dementia or injury can be a challenge.
The Family Caregiver Alliance offers these suggestions:
- Make sure the person is paying attention when you speak. Start out by saying his or her name.
- Speak clearly, slowly, simply and directly. Shorter sentences are best.
- Be kind and respectful, even if you're frustrated. Don't treat an adult like a child.
- Don't yell if the person has trouble hearing or understanding. Just move closer and try again.
- Listen, and involve the person in the conversation.
Health Tip: When Dementia Is Treatable
While dementia caused by Alzheimer's disease or brain damage from stroke are thought to be irreversible, some forms of memory loss may respond to treatment.
The U.S. National Library of Medicine offers this list of treatable causes of dementia:
- Brain tumor.
- Infection.
- Low levels of vitamin B12.
- A condition called normal pressure hydrocephalus, when a build-up of fluid presses on the brain.
- Certain thyroid problems.
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