Communication

What is communicating anyway? It is everything we do or say that conveys a message to another. It may be a word, a look, a position of the body or an action. Think of all the ways we convey our wants, needs and feelings to others.
Like a child is, a person with a cognitive disorder is a very keen observer of behavior. As a caregiver we need to remember that affect is contagious. Smile and the world smiles with you the song goes. A smile goes a long way toward working well with a person who has a hard time making his needs known. Taking time conveying something to that person is essential. Speak slower, simpler. Maintain eye contact. Relax your body. Watch what you do with your arms and hands. Are they conveying the message you want? Crossed arms denote impatience. Arms relaxed by your side with your hands outstretched palms up denotes invitation. You can change a potentially volatile situation around by adjusting your body stance.
What about your words. Are they spoken sharply or softly. You've got to eat now is less inviting than Come with me; I've made something good to eat.
Don't beat up on yourself but observe how you relate to your family member with Alzheimer's. This is called cognitive awareness; studying yourself and your behavior. If you find your approach evokes a negative response (fear or irritation), try a different softer approach and see what the difference is. In working with mentally ill persons I learned I could work more easily with them when, aware of their being distracted by voices in their head or having negative thinking, I could minimize their angst by my approach. Relax; go slow. Slow down to the speed of LIFE; theirs.