As communication can be difficult for someone with dementia, they may use anger to express themselves instead. Triggers for outbursts may be pain, illness, exhaustion or frustration. To help combat this, bring up a best-liked subject from the person's life journal.

Some of these behaviours may seem very old and out of character for your loved one.  But it is important to remember that your loved one can not prevent or control these actions. 

Dementia impacts the ability of the brain to reason which can make questions and tasks very difficult to understand. Just like most people, when asked to do something they do not understand or feel comfortable with, they will often respond with 'no'. Explaining the task to them or relating it to something they have done in the past may change the no to a yes.

Another issue you may face in regards to the lack of communication is helping with health concerns. As the person can find it hard to tell you what the matter is, you should look for signs and monitor your loved one for any change in behaviour. A change can mean that they are in discomfort or pain. 

Dementia patients can have trouble with communication and so it is your job, as a carer, to look for signs of communication. As many patients have difficultly speaking and writing, look for visual clues. Things like smiling, grimacing and frowning can all be a visual clue as to how they are feeling.