Expert Answer by Joyce Simard
Based in Land O' Lakes, Florida, Joyce Simard is a social worker and geriatric consultant specializing in dementia care. She's the author of The End-of-Life Namaste Care Program for People With Dementia and the children's book The Magic Tape Recorder .
If your dad has just been diagnosed with Alzheimer's, he may feel stressed when he can't find the words he's looking for. Word-finding difficulties are one of the early symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.
Just try to help in an easygoing way. Say to him: "Let's see if we can work together and figure out what you're trying to say." Talk in a calm, gentle voice. Reassure him: "I think you're just anxious. Even when I'm anxious, I can't think of the right word." Or make light of it: "It's probably on the tip of your tongue. You'll remember later."
If you think you have a gist of what he's trying to say, ask questions that might trigger what he's getting at. Even if he's using the wrong word, it can give you a clue to what he's trying to say. Sometimes people misname things. You could say, "Do you mean…" and supply the right word. But watch for his reaction—sometimes too many prompts leave a person feeling frustrated.
If you have no idea what he's talking about, try to change the subject or redirect his attention to reduce his frustration. If it seems important, you can return to the subject later and try again.
