How does advanced Alzheimer's disease typically affect communication abilities?

In advanced stages of Alzheimer's disease, individuals often experience significant cognitive decline that affects various functions, including communication abilities. One of the hallmark symptoms of this progression is the loss of the ability to speak coherently. This can manifest as difficulty finding the right words, constructing sentences, or even engaging in conversations. As the disease progresses, some individuals may become non-verbal altogether, relying instead on gestures or facial expressions to convey basic feelings or needs.

The impact on communication can lead to frustration for both the individual with Alzheimer's and their caregivers, as the loss of coherent speech limits interpersonal connections and can hinder the ability to express thoughts, emotions, and needs. The focus on coherent speech highlights the challenges faced in advanced Alzheimer's, where even basic communication abilities may be severely compromised.

This aspect underscores the importance of understanding how communication changes in advanced stages, allowing caregivers and loved ones to adapt their interaction strategies to better support affected individuals.