Alzheimer's disease and other dementias - Implications for physician communication

This article addresses the importance of language, speech, and communicatio n accommodations between the physician and the patient with dementia. Follo wing a brief summary of common profiles of speech, language, and communicat ion in several different types of dementia, the authors discuss key element s based on a comprehensive model of communication enhancement for individua ls with dementia. The primary emphasis of this article is that physicians m ust select individually tailored communication strategies drawn from a soun d knowledge of patients' skills. More importantly, the article stresses tha t communication is not just the exchange of information, but communication includes components that help establish mutual respect and maintain patient s' self-identity and autonomy.