90%

of communication is non-verbal it is how we say it that matters!
Dementia gradually affects a person's ability to communicate. This is something that has been made very apparent to me on my placement and has made me feel quite helpless at times; not being able to communicate in simple ways that we would take for granted: asking if they want a drink, if they are hungry if they are in pain. Often the question is not understood, or the answer is not understood.
Taking time to listen; giving them time to talk. It can take 7 seconds for a person with dementia to process what you have just said before they can begin to think of a response.
Silence is good, it is thinking time, there is no need to fill it with mindless chatter! Lips can stay sealed!