Communicating with the Cognitively Impaired Alzheimers and Dementias




Counselor Toolbox Podcast show

Summary: Summary ~ Working with people with cognitive impairment can be frustrating ~ It is important not to confuse chronological age with communicative age ~ KISS ~ Eliminate distractions ~ Don’t expect short-term memory ~ Use pictures, lists, storyboards ~ Spaced retrieval training has shown effectiveness in improving memory in people with cognitive impairments ~ Many people with a FASD will present in mental health practices without a FASD diagnosis. ~ Many clients who misuse alcohol and/or try to self detox can precipitate a cognitive impairment through ~ Thiamine deficiency ~ Stroke ~ Conduct ongoing assessments for cognitive impairments