Why is Mom swearing? She never spoke like that
The research found that as the brain dies, our language center (the left part of the brain) is one of the first areas to be affected. When forming our vocabulary as children, we were told certain words or phrases were socially unacceptable. Our brains then store those words in the Right side of the brain, our Chit Chat (rhythm) area. This is the area a pLwd could be working with. Therefore, the “forbidden” words could come out in an attempt to express an emotion or physical need.
When this happens, try not to respond with anger. Pause and look at the environment. Could they be experiencing physical discomfort? Think about our five senses: touch, hearing, smelling, seeing, and tasting. Is it noisy where you are? Is it crowded? What are the smells? Are they attempting a task and unable to complete it?
When children are present, you could tell them that the plwd is expressing themselves the only way they can at the moment and it isn’t okay for the words to be repeated, but grandma or grandpa are adults, and Adults talk that way sometimes. You could also share that they are doing their best to communicate.
Carry cards with you explaining the person is living with brain change and in no way means to offend anyone. These come in handy when you are in a public situation. Certain generations still hold on to “old” ways of expressing different ethnicities that could offend certain people.
Self Care Guide
Practice deep breathing exercises as you take your “pause”. Take a deep breath and hold it for a few seconds, then let it out slowly, fully expressing your lungs. Do this at least 3 times. Deep breaths will reset your Amygdala and reduce anxiousness.
Change the atmosphere by having a contest to recite a nursery rhyme with your loved one. Try saying something like “Sally sold seashells by the seashore” three times in a row. This is good exercise for both of your vocal muscles. Children will have fun with this one as well. It’s okay if you mess up—that is the fun of it. Laughter is great medicine!
Test your language skills by thinking of words that could replace the “bad” word your loved one used.