Bumbly words in communication

Jdbug · January 15

Dad is really at a point now where his words are intelligible choppy and i often cannot even tell what he is saying. I have to guess at everything and I can tell by how he looks at me, that I have gotten it wrong. How frustrating it must be for him. Does anyone have tips on how you coped with this in your lo...maybe you made a plan of other ways to communicate...any experiences you share would help me. It's breaking my heart and I'm so scared about caring for him properly when I can no longer understand him at all.

Anonymousjpl123 · January 15

I am noticing this with my mom. She is not bumbling words but forgetting them. She will stop mid sentence because she can’t think of a word. It happens most of the time. I try to fill in the blanks, sometimes I am right, sometimes not. I would say that watching facial expressions is key. So you are on the right track. Also, yes or no questions. Oh, you mean your sweater? Were you looking for your shoes? Like that. I’m sorry you are going through this. It sucks.

sandwichone123 · January 17

I respond in general ways to the tone. If he's complaining (I can't understand about what, or when it may have happened), I say, "oh my," with a concerned tone, and if he's still going I'll add, "I can't believe it!"

If he's happy I'll say, "Oh nice!" and similar. My dh's speech was his first symptom but for years I could pretty much figure out what he meant, but not now. All I can respond to is the tone now. Sometimes I may ask someone else what they think may have happened, but his world is so subjective whatever he's upset about is something no one else saw.

psg712 · January 17

Agree with responding to tone and facial expressions. My mom's speech is still clear, but she often uses words that don't fit or just don't make sense. It's hard not to ask more questions but I've found that interrogation just feeds her frustration. She's explaining herself as best she can, and more questions don't help her to do better. So I just respond in a general manner to her expressions, and that seems to help her to feel heard. The lack of understanding becomes my problem rather than hers.

Jdbug · January 18

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/233952#Comment_233952

Absolutely. This was where I was before the bumbling really happened in our case and it was nice to still understand and be able to help! I wish we were still at that stage. Big hugs.

Jdbug · January 18

I'm wondering if I would have done speech therapy with Dad at the stage you're in...if we could have preserved that speech longer.... 🤔

Jdbug · January 18

It's so hard not to be able to understand or suggest or help now. Did you do any speech therapy?

Jdbug · January 18

Thank you for your response. It's so hard!

Jdbug · January 18

Yes, last night I asked questions and I just made him tired. Thanks.

sandwichone123 · January 18

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/234270#Comment_234270

Speech therapy is primarily helpful if it provides the caregiver with communication skills. It doesn't change the brain functioning or progression of the illness.

H1235 · January 18

No experience with this at all, so this may not be a reasonable solution. Could you print out pictures of various things he may need on cards and keep them handy for him to show you. For example toilet, food, drink, bed etc. I hope you can find something that works.

kblau · January 18

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/234269#Comment_234269

hey my mom is at the forgetting words stage and isn’t talking much anymore. How long was this stage for you? Before the babbling?

Bumbly words in communication

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