ASU Employee Wellness 2025: Behaviors & Communication: The language of dementia

The communication changes that accompany dementia can present a host of challenges. As verbal language fades, nonverbal cues and behavior become a method to express thoughts, wants and needs. In this workshop, Barbara Johnson, who is a licensed clinical social worker and the Stead Family Memory Center at Banner Alzheimer's Institute, will review common changes that occur and learn strategies to reduce challenges. Johnson has over 25 years of experience working in the medical field, in both inpatient and outpatient environments. She works with patients and family members, helping them to navigate their memory journey and prepare for future needs. She teaches classes and facilitates several support groups. Her primary focus has been on the early-stage and early-onset populations at BAI.