Question

Topic: Geriatrics

How do you complete a medical and history interview with a patient exhibiting signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s? What are some ways the medical assistant can demonstrate professionalism and sensitivity in communication? 

Answer 1

Medical and History Interview with a patient with signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s

An interview with a patient suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s requires a lot of understanding and empathy. It is not easy for them as an individual to be living while suffering from such disease and hence communicating in appropriate way is very important. In such condition, the patient does not remember things and they might end up even remembering things that happened just few minutes back. As a medical interviewer of the patient, it is very important to be patient while listening to the person without putting a lot of pressure on the person.

The patients with Alzheimer disease most commonly deal with progressive memory loss and it might also lead to slow progressive behavior. There are often language disorders along with impairment in visuospatial skills. However there are things that one needs to keep in mind while interviewing a person suffering from either Dementia or Alzheimer’s.

• Make sure you listen to their story carefully and do not interfere or correct or start speaking while they take time to open about something.
• It is important to be empathetic but however also make sure you do not treat the person as someone who is suffering. Be kind because no one ones to be reminded of their condition. Avoid over praising or patronizing them.
• Patience is the key to interviewing a person who is suffering from such condition. It is a progressive memory loss and hence makes sure you do not get annoyed when you are asked to repeat questions. It is important that you are aware it is difficult for the patient answer questions that require them to use a lot of their memory.
• Most of the answers must be short and not too long but you will have to be okay with it and not pressurize the person. At times you might not understand the answer and in such cases, ask for clarification very politely.
• Never raise your voice and stay calm throughout the interview. Always understand no one choose to be in such condition.

Ways to communicate in professional and sensitive manner

Communication is the most important thing while dealing with patients suffering from Dementia or Alzheimer’s.

• Make sure you find the right words and try to structure the sentence in the most easiest, understandable form to the patient.
• It is important to pay attention even when the person is going out of track while answering something. Interfering the person is very rude and something that you must always avoid.
• Always beware of your tone and wait for the person to complete what they are saying without interfering. Call the person by name, keep eye contact and keep that smile on.
• Repeat the questions when required and give the person to comprehend the same and answer the question.
• Avoid criticizing or correcting the person and ask for clarification in a polite and decent manner so that it is clear.
• Use visual cues and positive body language to make sure that the person is comfortable.