DMV woman shares insight on communicating with those dealing with FTD

ARLINGTON, Va. (7News) — This November, 7News continues bringing awareness to Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

7News’ Adrianna Hopkins spoke with Nick and Maureen Kalenich at length about their experience with her Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) diagnosis.

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Maureen brought up a topic many don’t consider when engaging with people living with dementia – and that’s what we say to people. We might mean well, but for them it’s awkward.

“You say, you look good. And I just like, when you think I'm good. I don't say this." Maureen said. "But I want to say, ‘How am I supposed to look?’ You know, ‘What is not looking good?’ You know? And then I think well, they're trying to be kind.”

ALSO READ | Shedding light on daily struggles of living with frontotemporal dementia

“What should people say," Adrianna asked.

“Something like, ‘It's good to see you out," Maureen said. "It's good to see you walking with Nick. It's good to see you riding a bike.”