Dementia and language

Dementia can damage the parts of the brain that control language. How and when language problems develop will depend on:

• the person’s personality and the ways they manage these language problems
• the type of dementia they have
• the stage of the dementia. 

Language problems can vary from day to day, and at different times of the day. These problems can be made worse if the person is tired, in pain or unwell. The surroundings can also help with communication, or make it more difficult.

In some types of dementia, such as some forms of frontotemporal dementia (FTD), language problems may be one of the first symptoms to be noticed. 

How can dementia affect how a person communicates?

Dementia can affect how a person communicates and the language they use. They may:

• not be able to finish their sentence, as they can’t find their words
• use a related word. For example, ‘book’ instead of ‘newspaper’
• use substitutes for words. For example, ‘thing that you sit on’ instead of ‘chair’
• use words that have no meaning, or that are jumbled up in the wrong order  
• go back to the first language they learned as a child. For example, if they learned English as a second language, they may no longer be able to speak it.

Dementia can also affect the person’s ability to respond appropriately or follow a conversation. This could be because they do not understand what you have said. They may be less able to focus or put the correct words together as a reply.

How dementia can affect someone's ability to follow a conversation

Dementia can also affect the way a person thinks, which will have an effect on language. A person with dementia may think more slowly, lose focus or not be able to understand complex ideas.

They may move from one topic to another without finishing a sentence as it becomes harder for them to focus.

Communication for a person with dementia can also be affected by pain, discomfort, illness or the side effects of medication.

If you notice a sudden change in the person (over hours or 1–2 days), it could be delirium. This is when a person’s mental state gets worse very suddenly. You should make an urgent appointment with the GP or call the NHS 111 telephone service. Say that the person has changed suddenly, or no longer seems to be acting like their usual self. 

What happens when a person's dementia gets worse?

There may eventually come a time when the person can no longer communicate as they once did. This can be distressing and frustrating for them and those supporting them. However, there are ways to keep communicating. For example, they may be able to express themselves through body language and other non-verbal ways.

'This is me' dementia communication booklet

Communication problems can affect the care and support that a person with dementia receives from professionals. Alzheimer’s Society produces a simple form called 'This is me' to help record personal information. This includes how they like to communicate, any difficulties they have, and how care and support staff can tailor their care for them as an individual.

To order a free copy of 'This is me', email [email protected] or call 0300 303 5933. 'Dyma Fi' is also available in Welsh. 

What else can affect how well a person with dementia can communicate?

There are other reasons communicating with a person with dementia can be difficult. For example, the person may:

• make comments that you or others feel are inappropriate for the situation  
• repeat themselves or ask the same question over and over
• believe things that aren’t true.

For more on these problems and how to manage them, visit our Changes in behaviour webpage and Caring for a person with dementia: A practical guide information sheet.