Have you ever wondered what it takes to do everyday tasks like remembering names, or saying what time it is, especially for your loved ones in their golden years? While they may seem like easy activities, they actually take more effort than you realize. In fact, many of these tasks require cognitive skills. However, as one matures, their brain also matures and such abilities will also change. Be it slower reflexes, or weakened vision, these are all part and parcel of growing old. In addition, your loved ones’ speech will also slow down due to the reduced cognitive abilities. Specifically, let’s look into the correlation between cognitive skills and speech, especially among those in their golden years.
The Correlation – Dementia
Did you know that a decline in cognitive skills can be further accelerated by health conditions such as dementia or other memory-related illnesses? Essentially this means that those with dementia may have more difficulties in their speech. And what is dementia? Dementia is a medical disorder that causes a progressive and continuous loss of intellectual function in people, particularly those in their golden years, resulting in memory loss and cognitive impairment. With speech impairment, they often struggle communicating with others and have issues with taking care of themselves in their daily lives. Thus, they can often get frustrated about the miscommunication that is out of their control. Hence, it is important to know that cognitive skills affect speech and the various factors.
Patient’s Factors
It is important to know what are the factors, or things that your loved ones may face when they are diagnosed with dementia. After all, by taking note of such issues, you will be able to better understand how to handle and take care of their needs.
Your loved ones may start finding it difficult to retain information or suffer from memory loss. In addition, they may face issues in performing complex or difficult tasks. This is because of their cognitive impairment. Moreover, they may develop lower concentration ability, mood swings, or have an increased level of irritability.
Carer’s Factors
As your loved ones go through dementia and face such issues, it is critical for you to play your part to facilitate better communication and reduce communication problems. Hence, here are some things you can do.
Firstly, try to speak slower and in a lower pitch voice. This is because when you are speaking too quickly or with a high-pitched voice, it can bring stress to your loved ones with dementia. In addition, try to keep your sentences short and sweet, and minimize actions. After all, when you talk excessively at once or use unnecessary gestures, it can get misleading and distracting. Given how dementia patients already have a lower concentration level, this is a no-go. Moreover, try to remain calm in every situation. This is because when you come across as impatient and frustrated, it can aggravate communication problems. Lastly, do not shout or use an improper tone of voice, as it can cause them to feel threatened or offended.
