You can improve verbal exchanges in lots of casual names. Refer to people by their name and, when appropriate, their name and relationship to the person with Alzheimer's (such as "your daughter, Anna") rather than using pronouns such as "him" or "her." Use simple, consistent labels for objects ("your white tennis shoes," "the blue pillbox") and avoid identifying things as "this" or "that."

Stick to familiar, easy-to-understand topics, too. A person with Alzheimer'sor other forms of dementia is less likely to be confused if you talk about his favorite subjects or things he's demonstrated he remembers or relates to well -- the weather, what's for lunch, the birds at the feeder, a ball game. Discussions that require abstract thinking or a great deal of concentration -- politics and current events, for example -- may prove too complicated.

Expect to carry the conversation yourself. It's not that the person doesn't like to chat, but initiating talk can be too much for him now. Also avoid asking too many open-ended questions, which may feel like "tests" of his memory -- causing him to become frustrated and angry and want to withdraw from the conversation. A better solution is easier yes-or-no questions or those with limited multiple-choice answers: "Do you like the robins or the cardinals best?" Best of all is to mostly lead the discussion by providing information rather than asking for it: "I just saw a big squirrel climb into the bird feeder. Maybe we need to put more seed in there."

Reduce background distractions, too. It's easier to connect without the noise and commotion of a TV, radio, or crowd of people, for example.