We don’t talk much about dementia so when it happens to someone we know, we aren’t sure how to talk to them or let them know we are there and care. The years of negative social stigma has led many to believe a diagnosis of dementia means there’s nothing that can be done. Perhaps the isolation that happens to the person with dementia and their loved ones takes as much from them as the disease.

Did you know that you can make a difference visiting someone with dementia? However, a survey by the Alzheimer’s Society found that 42% of us think there is no point in keeping up contact at this stage. But the survey found that visits from family and friends stimulated feelings of happiness, comfort and security.

This presentation offers ways to improve visits and many helpful communication tips and looks at changing behaviors and why they occur. Learning about the damage to the brain causes the changes we see, helps us to understand the person living with dementia better and helps us recognize the person and abilities that are still there.