Dementia sufferers respond better to non-verbal language

by The Herald:

Patients with severe dementia respond better to hand movements and facial expressions than to speech, according to new research.

The technique can help loved ones communicate with sufferers using non-verbal language and have a profound effect on the lives of those living with the devastating condition.Known as "adaptive ­interaction", it is a simple and effective way of ­ reaching individuals in advanced stages of a disease that affects 800,000 people in the UK.

Experts said it held "great promise".Dr Maggie Ellis of St Andrews University, said: "It really is a case of going back to basics. At first people find it strange or awkward to communicate with an adult using non-verbal communication such as hand movements or facial expressions. It requires time and effort, but the important thing is that it really does work."I have witnessed some really profound reactions to this type of communication. For some families, it is the only way they have left to engage in meaningful ­interactions and retain a close connection to their loved one."They often describe the discovery they are able to stay in contact as an amazing feeling."She said the method had been extremely successful in tests.Source: http://bit.ly/1qA87yc