Engaging Older Adults Diagnosed with Neurodegenerative Disorders

Neurodegenerative disorders have been around since the dawn of humankind. They had no name back then and no one lived long enough to develop them. Today, we are living longer than ever before, and with an increased life span comes the risk of developing one of these disorders. There is another risk involved – being placed into a healthcare setting when our families can no longer care for us at home. One of the biggest challenges will be meaningful engagement and communication with older adults diagnosed with a neurodegenerative disorder. Therefore, it is up to healthcare professionals to learn how to more meaningfully engage and maximize their quality of life.

What are Neurodegenerative Disorders?

While there are many neurodegenerative disorders, the most common are Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Huntington’s disease and Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The way in which each of these develops varies. For some, the myelin sheath around the nerve is lost. Neurons die and cannot replicate. Gradually, the nervous system declines in integrity. There is a rise in these diseases both in the United States and abroad. Although the exact cause of most of the neurodegenerative diseases is not known, there appears to be a strong genetic component as well as the immune system damaging and destroying nerve cells. There currently is much research involved in these illnesses.

(NOTE: Interested in learning more about Neurodegenerative Disorders? Checkout my Neurodegenerative Disorders on CEU Academy and try a FREE CEU today!)

Basic Rules for Engagement

Communication involves the exchange between people when engaging in social situations. Thoughts and information are shared through verbal and non-verbal communication, both of which can be equally effective. Sensitive and skillful communication and engagement are important for both quality of care and of life. People with neurodegenerative disorders may have a lot to express and share.

We want people diagnosed with neurodegenerative disorders who live in skilled facilities to have not only great care, but also quality of life. In order to provide this, we must be able to meaningfully engage and effectively communicate with them. Some basic rules of doing this include reducing background noises that can distract a conversation. Remove any distractions possible to make interaction pleasant and understandable. Try to talk about familiar topics and avoid switching topics too frequently. One of the best ways to communicate is through active listening, whereby you focus not only on what is being said (words), but pay attention to the emotions behind the words.

You always want to speak slowly and clearly and give the individual more time to process incoming information. Stop every now and then and ask them if they understand you. Using short and specific questions usually works better than long and abstract questions. Allow enough time for them to speak without being rushed or interrupted, and try very hard not to finish their thoughts for them. There is no dignity in that.

The Importance of Communication and Engagement

Think about this for a moment. You are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. You live at home for years until you and your family make the decision to move you into a skilled care facility. Your physical and mental health deteriorate, but you still want to participate socially. Your inability to communicate as easily as you once did may cause a loss in self-confidence, anxiety and depression, and eventually withdrawal, hopelessness and helplessness. Caregivers around you don’t know how to communicate with you. What kind of quality of life do you now have?

Final Words on Engaging Older Adults Diagnosed with Neurodegenerative Disorders

The truth is communication affects almost everything in life. Being unable to express needs can lead to frustration, anger and aggression. The burden of having Huntington’s disease or ALS is heavy enough and these disorders will eventually significantly diminish quality of life. Shouldn’t we take the time to learn how to better communicate and engage with people who are already suffering?