We have a resident that is well over 100 years of age. Although she has dementia, she also has lucid moments. Recently, I stopped in to visit with her and had a conversation we’d never had before.

Me: “How are you?”
Her: “I’m sad.”
Me: “Why are you sad?”
Her: “Someone was talking about me.”
Me: “What did they say?”
Her: “I don’t know but I didn’t like it.”
This was a reminder that even when we think an individual with dementia or Alzheimer’s does not know what we are saying, there are times when they do understand.
Even if they do not understand the words they may understand in a number of other ways.
This can include:

- Tone of voice
- Touch
- Look on our face
- Attitude toward that individual
- Perception
What ways have you noticed an Alzheimer’s individual is perceptive to their situation?
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