Alzheimer’s 2025: The New Horizon
ReComune
Updated on: 26 Feb 2026
Communicating with someone who has Alzheimer’s disease can be challenging, emotional, and at times confusing. As memory fades and cognitive abilities change, words that once seemed harmless can suddenly cause anxiety, frustration, or even emotional pain. If you’re caring for a loved one or supporting someone with dementia, understanding what not to say to someone with Alzheimer’s is just as important as knowing what to say. Thoughtful communication can reduce agitation, build trust, and improve quality of life.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, and that number continues to grow. Compassionate communication is one of the most powerful tools caregivers have. This blog explains what phrases to avoid, why they can be harmful, and what to say instead.
Alzheimer’s affects memory, reasoning, language, and emotional regulation. However, emotions often remain strong even when memories fade. Research published by the National Institute on Aging (NIA) shows that people with dementia may forget facts, but they often remember how someone made them feel. Negative or corrective language can lead to distress, confusion, and withdrawal.
Using supportive, calm, and respectful language helps maintain dignity and reduces behavioral symptoms such as agitation or aggression.
Asking “Don’t you remember?” can unintentionally highlight memory loss and create feelings of embarrassment or frustration. Individuals with Alzheimer’s often cannot retrieve information despite effort, and being reminded of this difficulty may increase anxiety and withdrawal (Alzheimer’s Association). Instead, offer gentle reminders and reassurance to maintain dignity and emotional comfort.
The goal is reassurance, not correction.
Repetition is a hallmark symptom of Alzheimer’s. Asking the same question multiple times is not intentional it’s part of the disease. According to dementia care guidelines from the Alzheimer’s Society UK, correcting repetitive behavior can increase agitation.
Answer calmly even if it’s the tenth time. You can also gently redirect the conversation.
Example:
“That’s a good question. Dinner is at 6 pm.”
Consistency and tone matter more than the words themselves.
Direct confrontation rarely works.
If someone with Alzheimer’s insists on something inaccurate such as believing they need to go to work when they retired years ago correcting them harshly can escalate distress. The concept of validation therapy, supported by dementia communication experts, encourages meeting the person where they are emotionally rather than correcting facts. Learn more about validation techniques from the (Alzheimer Society of Canada).
Redirect rather than argue.
Memory distortions or confabulations are common in mid to late-stage Alzheimer’s.
Even if something didn’t happen, it feels real to them.
“That sounds upsetting. Tell me more about it.”
Focus on emotions rather than facts.
Questions like:
These questions imply blame.
Alzheimer’s is a neurological disease not a choice. The World Health Organization explains that dementia symptoms result from physical changes in the brain.
Shift from criticism to collaboration.
If someone expresses fear, confusion, or discomfort, dismissing their feelings can be harmful.
Even if their fear seems irrational, the emotion is real.
Emotional reassurance is more effective than logical correction.
While reminiscing can be helpful, open-ended memory tests can cause frustration.
Instead of:
“Do you remember our trip in 1985?”
Try:
“I was looking at a photo from our beach trip. We had so much fun watching the sunset.”
Provide cues instead of quizzes. Reminiscence therapy is widely recommended by dementia experts and supported by research in geriatric psychology.
Taking over tasks too quickly can reduce independence and confidence. Even in early stages, many individuals with Alzheimer’s can still perform daily activities with guidance. The National Institute on Aging recommends encouraging independence whenever safely possible.
“Would you like help with that?”
Support autonomy whenever you can.
Repetition is not intentional manipulation it’s memory loss.
Correcting it bluntly may lead to embarrassment.
Instead:
Patience preserves dignity.
This is sometimes called “elderspeak.”
Using baby talk or exaggerated tones may feel natural, but it can feel disrespectful. A study published in The Gerontologist found that patronizing speech increases resistance in dementia patients.
Use:
Speak as you would to any adult with clarity and kindness.
When speaking with someone who has Alzheimer’s, use calm, clear, and reassuring language that prioritizes emotional safety. Short sentences, gentle reminders, and validating phrases like “I’m here with you” help reduce anxiety and confusion. Supportive communication improves trust and decreases behavioral distress (mhcca.ca). Now that we’ve covered what not to say, here are communication strategies that help:
Avoid complex instructions.
Non-verbal communication matters deeply.
“I’m here with you.”
It creates familiarity and security.
Emotion-first communication reduces agitation.
Words carry significant emotional weight for individuals living with dementia. Although memory and reasoning abilities decline, emotional awareness often remains relatively preserved. Research suggests that people with Alzheimer’s may retain emotional responses even when they cannot recall the specific event that caused them (National Institutes of Health).
This means a harsh tone or dismissive comment can trigger anxiety, sadness, or agitation long after the conversation itself is forgotten. Studies in dementia care also show that respectful, validating communication reduces behavioral symptoms and distress (MentalHealth.com). Therefore, speaking calmly, maintaining eye contact, and acknowledging feelings are essential strategies for promoting emotional safety and trust. Kindness is not just compassionate it’s therapeutic.
Modern tools are helping families communicate better with loved ones who have Alzheimer’s. For example, platforms like ReComune focus on ending loneliness and strengthening connection through accessible communication. Through ReComune Call, seniors can talk anytime, reducing isolation and anxiety. The ReComune AI Companion provides gentle conversation, reminders, and emotional engagement helping individuals feel heard and supported, especially when caregivers are unavailable. Technology should never replace human care but it can enhance connection and reduce emotional distress.
When caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, communication becomes one of the most powerful tools you have. Words can either calm or confuse, comfort or frustrate. As memory fades, emotional sensitivity often increases, making tone, patience, and empathy more important than ever. Instead of correcting mistakes or pointing out forgetfulness, focus on reassurance and validation. Simple phrases like “I’m here with you” or “You’re safe” can make a profound difference. Alzheimer’s may change cognitive abilities, but it does not remove the need for respect, dignity, and compassion. Thoughtful communication strengthens trust, reduces anxiety, and preserves meaningful connection every day.
