What are some tips and strategies in communicating with someone with Alzheimer's disease?

Those with Alzheimer's disease experience changes in the way they communicate with others. The disease diminishes the individual's ability to communicate and to understand others. The affected individual also has trouble expressing thoughts and emotions.

There are many obstacles in communication for those with the disease. It becomes frustrating when the right words escape him or her, and they begin to invent new words for objects or names for people. Often the individual will use the same words or phrases repeatedly, such as "I want to go home." While the caregiver may think their loved one actually wants to go home, it might be that the affected individual is just looking for what home represents, such as security, familiarity, family and love and warmth.