Talking

As the disease progresses, the person with FTD may lose the ability to understand you or to be understood. Simplify what you say and closely observe their behavior for clues.

Try this:

1. Use simple words and short sentences with a calm and soothing tone of voice
2. Maintain a respectful approach and avoid speaking to the person with FTD like they are a child
3. Minimize distractions like the television and radio when talking so that your loved one can focus on the conversation
4. Include your loved one in the conversation even if they don’t or can’t respond. They may very well be able to hear and understand but not be able to respond.
5. Try engaging them by completing the following sentences:
   • I remember when…
   • Thank you for…
   • I’m proud of…
6. Don’t rush your loved one – give them time to express themselves
7. Try to read the body language for clues
8. Reading and writing may also be affected in the language variants of FTD, offer to help proofread or copy letters for them so they stay in touch with friends and family
9. Aphasia identification cards explaining that the person has a language problem can aid in communicating the person's condition to others