1. Introduction

For people with dementia, the ability to talk and use language as a means of communication is greatly challenged. This may cause misunderstanding and mutual frustration with other people and thus have a deep impact for their ability to maintain positive relationships.

For family members and caregivers it may get difficult to maintain satisfying communication throughout the disease course. Difficulty in communication may also bring conflict in relationships, social isolation and depression, burden and stress for caregivers.

Recognizing the changes that occur as the disease progresses will help the person with the dementia, their family and caregivers find strategies to communicate more effectively.