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My wife has had dementia since 2016. She has lost her sense of smell and taste. She has a problem communicating. Now everything has to be repeated for her to answer.


Is this unique or the progress of dementia?


It makes caretaking very difficult.

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Aphasia affects dementia patients towards the advanced stages of the condition. I remember thinking my mother was unable to 'hear' what I was saying, when in reality, she wasn't able to PROCESS the words I was using. This was during the last year of her life when her dementia was quite advanced. She was diagnosed in Dec of 2016 and passed in Feb of 2022. She had good days and bad days, though, and there were times when she was able to understand what I was saying.

Here is a link to an article which discusses the stages of dementia and what symptoms to expect/look out for during each:

https://www.dementiacarecentral.com/aboutdementia/facts/stages/

Things can get quite difficult when your wife can no longer understand language. I would keep my words very short with mom, and simple, while speaking to her. Here is a list of language tips about dementia:

Language Needs
· Use short words
· Use clear and simple sentences
· Speak slowly and calmly
· Questions should ask for a “yes” or “no” answer
· Talk about one thing at a time
· Talk about concrete things; not abstract ideas
· Use common phrases
· Always say what you are doing
· If they repeat their question, repeat your answer as you did the first time · Give them a longer time to process information
· Wait patiently for a response
· Be accepting of inappropriate answers and nonsense words
· Speak softly, soothingly and gently

Best of luck with a difficult situation.
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People with dementia often do lose their ability to comprehend the spoken word, and yes it makes it hard on those caring for them.
And if you throw hearing loss on top of it, it will be even more difficult.
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My Mom lost her smell before her Dementia became prevalent. It is an early sign of Dementia. The loss of taste follows. Communicating is a Dementia thing. They no longer can process or comprehend.

I remember walking into Moms hospital room and two student nurses explaining to Mom what was going on with her care. I could tell by Mom's expression on her face that she had no idea what they were talking about. I told the girls that Mom lost them on the first word. That her chart should say she has Dementia.

You need to keep things short. No long drawn out explanations. No expecting her to make decisions. You do it all for her. I started giving Mom 3 choices when we went out to eat, then two finally I just ordered her favorite thing. Don't ask if she wants a shower, just do it. Don't ask if she wants to dress, do it. She no longer has the ability to make decision. This is what Dementia is.
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Is this loss due to Lewy's dementia? My brother lost his sense of taste and smell, and thought to be part of his diagnosis of early Lewy's. Some other things, visual hallucinations brought on by some patterns, such as a hotel carpet with repetitive pattern, marbled, etc and other hallucinations which were very detailed and dream like.
I am assuming tests have been done on hearing.
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Thank you,. It's what I thought but needed to confirm,
This website is one of the best things that has happened to me since my wife was diagnosed
Thanks to all
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