Communicating with the Cognitively Impaired Alzheimers and Dementias

Summary

~ Working with people with cognitive impairment can be frustrating

~ It is important not to confuse chronological age with communicative age

~ KISS

~ Eliminate distractions

~ Don’t expect short-term memory

~ Use pictures, lists, storyboards

~ Spaced retrieval training has shown effectiveness in improving memory in people with cognitive impairments

~ Many people with a FASD will present in mental health practices without a FASD diagnosis.

~ Many clients who misuse alcohol and/or try to self detox can precipitate a cognitive impairment through

~ Thiamine deficiency

~ Stroke

~ Conduct ongoing assessments for cognitive impairments

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