• Always speak to the person as an adult
• Include the person in conversations
• Use concrete, clear language
• Use words that are familiar
• Speak positively, avoiding “don’ts” and commands
• Use lead-in information and opinion-seeking questions
• Break tasks and instructions into clear, simple steps
• Use nouns, not pronouns
• Speak slowly and clearly
• Use a gentle, relaxed tone of voice
• Face the person when you speak
• Maintain eye contact
• Avoid criticizing, correcting, and arguing
• Eliminate environmental distractions
• Allow enough time for a response
• Use and encourage non-verbal communication, such as facial expressions, gestures, and touching
• Be patient, flexible, and understanding

Sources: Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org
Navigating the Alzheimer’s Journey: A Compass for Caregiving by Carol Bowlby Sifton, Health Professions Press