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The idea that people with dementia communicate via symbols makes sense. This belief is important and integral in allowing us to tap into the meanings behind their special language of spoken and gestured symbols. By focusing on the messages conveyed through rich symbolism, we can move towards a deeper understanding of the individual person.

Symbols enrich our minds and imaginations. They appear in every conceivable form: pictures, metaphors, sounds, gestures, odours, myths and personifications and draw from all sources, material and non-material, for their inspiration.

Spoken Symbols
The following story illustrates a real experience using symbolic language as the basis for interpretation.

Lorna had dementia and lived in a residential care facility. Every morning, when her breakfast was placed in front of her, she would call out in a loud, accusing voice, 'My porridge is poisoned! '

The cook had tried everything; she avoided adding even a pinch of salt to Lorna’s porridge. She tried adding sugar, but nothing seemed to help and Lorna kept repeating her accusation.

When a person with dementia is adamant about something that does not appear real to us, and that person does not have a psychiatric illness, it is usually a sign that they are communicating in deeply, symbolic language. Medically, Lorna’s statements may be labelled hallucinatory or delusional and lead to her being medicated, resulting in the disrespectful side effects of withdrawal; immobility and incontinence.

Since it was known that Lorna did not have a psychiatric illness, her statement was a clever and symbolic way of telling her carers that not only were her emotional and spiritual needs not being met, but the way she was being treated was destroying her spirit.

'Spirit is defined as the inner light that gives passion, meaning and purpose to our lives.'

 Jane Verity

Could it be that when Lorna so strongly voiced her statement, she was fighting to preserve what was left of her essence?

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Further reading – Click topic

• Understanding Symbolic Language – Members article - Jane Verity (Discover the fascinating and revealing language of gestured symbols; read a true account of how the principles of the 7 Step Symbol Solver revealed the meaning behind previously mystifying behaviour. Learn a mirroring technique to elicit meanings behind behaviours and gestures. Read advice to avoid overlooking the obvious; 5 tips for Best Attitude and learn about universal symbols and their meanings.)

• My Neighbour is Trying to Kill Me! – Members article - Follow-up story revealing the deep symbolism behind this once “seemingly” delusional accusation.

• The Bus Stop Band-aid – Precis/Members article– Jane Verity (Discover the emotions and reasons behind the words, I want to go home; learn positive ways to fulfil unmet needs and proven strategies to remove the necessity for the bus stop and other band-aid solutions. Also, learn why “Best” is the Enemy of Greatness.)