Addressing Nonsensical Language 💬

Addressing Nonsensical Language

Nonsensical Responses - "Why on earth did I ever say that!", "Why did you say such a thing?", "It didn’t even make sense!”

Indeed, this might be the feedback or your own personal thoughts as to why you spoke a certain way without intending to. Somehow, the strange dialogue just flew off your lips… and if not bad enough, it didn’t even make sense!!

I would guess that many of us can make our own claim to fame for such infractions without ever seeking to do so - but it happens. If the average healthy individual trips on language this way, what of the person that is language compromised due to an illness like dementia?

Many of you are aware that residents diagnosed with dementia suffer from communications issues during some point in the disease progression. Someone with dementia may not simply fail to use the correct word but verbalizes statements they seemingly do not fit the context of the conversation or suddenly comes across very out of character even still, perhaps words were harsh and rather mean spirited. Dementia in this scenario is the root cause affecting the part of the brain that enables the ability to verbal expression. The exchange is known as a “nonsensical response”.

Nonsensical Response: having no meaning or direction or purpose - incongruous; inviting ridicule. Synonyms: absurd, cockeyed, derisory, idiotic, laughable, ludicrous, preposterous, ridiculous foolish.

The better response is always to respond to the emotion behind the words. When your residents’ ability to fully express themselves falters; ignore the incorrect word spoken and focus on the combination of the residents’ intonation and facial expressions. Pay close attention to the nonverbal communication which will likely display the emotion they want to convey, this in turn helps to discern the meaning and intent of the message and don’t take it personally. Remind yourself that your resident may no longer have control over this aspect of communication and that any ill-spoken word(s) are likely unintentional.

In this given example, you can clearly see how words spoken might lend to offense or misunderstanding. When you’re dealing with your residents’ false sense of reality, the best response is to look beyond the words to the intended meaning.

Resident says: “You’re spending all my money!”
Intended message: “Everything is expensive—we’re spending an awful lot of money.”

The residents’ statement is an overly simplified version from the intended message. There was no actual intended accusation of Elder Financial Abuse, rather a real valid concern over how much things cost.

DO NOT SAY - “I’m am being very careful on spending and look for the best prices.”
Rather state: “I worry, too. Everything seems so expensive.”

The latter response empathizes and validates what your resident is “trying” to tell you and encourages your resident to continue to state his/her point of view while declaring that you value and appreciate his/her verbalized thoughts.

Loss of linguistic abilities is common symptom with dementia and this may precede other aspects of the cognitive decline. Language difficulties becomes prevalent especially as the disease progresses and goes from moderate to severe stages. Early signs present with word finding difficulties. In some instances, the individual may replace the correct word with another one or perhaps is unable to find a substitute word at all.

Receptive: receptive language disorder involves difficulties understanding language, are unable to process the meaning of words they hear and see. This includes the spoken word as well as the words read from books or on signs. Receptive language disorders involve deficits in comprehension. In adults, signs of language disorder may include not listening to or following instructions and repeating words or phrases they had previously heard, misinterpret instructions, ignore when she’s being spoken to, or take simple jokes too seriously.

Expressive: expressive language disorder often presents like a struggle to form sentences that make sense. It is diagnosed when an individual struggles to produce language, speak in grammatically correct sentences, or translate thoughts into speech. Residents with expressive language disorder may need extra time to answer questions or take a turn in a conversation. These challenges can make it hard to connect with others, make friends, and often prevents forming new relationships.

The symptoms of expressive or receptive language disorders can vary from person to person.

Expressive Language Disorder

Receptive Language Disorder

Communication difficulties are a consequence of nerve cell failure relating to dementia progression. Individuals with dementia score lower results in the area of understanding (receptive) and verbal expression (expressive), repetition, reading and writing. Show your understanding and expertise by allowing your resident to maintain his/her dignity by translating what he/she is trying to communicate despite their unintended word usage.

https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/symptoms-and-diagnosis/symptoms/dementia-and-language
https://www.additudemag.com/language-disorders-in-adults-symptoms-and-treatment/