Communication Changes With a Brain Tumour: What Can Families Do to Help?

When someone you love has a brain tumour, you may notice changes in the way they talk, understand or join in conversations.

They may know exactly what they want to say but struggle to find the right word.

They might find it harder to follow a conversation.

Or they may become quieter because talking feels like hard work.

These changes can be upsetting for everyone.

But there are practical things you can do to make communication easier.

Why can a brain tumour affect communication?

Brain tumours affect people in different ways.

The communication difficulties someone has can depend on where the tumour is in the brain and how their condition changes over time.

Some people may have difficulty:

• Finding the word they want.

• Putting their thoughts into sentences.

• Understanding what someone is saying.

• Reading or writing.

• Following a long or fast conversation.

• Keeping up when several people are talking.

• Making their speech clear.

• Telling family what they need or how they feel.

For families, this can be difficult too.

You may know that your loved one has something to say, but you cannot work out what it is.

You may worry about saying the wrong thing or making them frustrated.

You may also wonder how you will communicate if things become more difficult.

Give them more time

One of the simplest things you can do is slow the conversation down.

Someone who has difficulty finding words may need longer to answer.

Try not to jump in straight away.

Give them time to find the word.

It can feel like a long silence to you. But that extra time may be exactly what they need.

If they are still struggling, you can gently ask:

“Would you like me to help?”

This allows them to stay in control of the conversation.

Keep information simple

Understanding lots of information at once can become difficult.

This is especially important during appointments or when talking about plans and decisions.

Try to:

• Use short sentences.

• Talk about one thing at a time.

• Slow down.

• Repeat important information if needed.

• Write down key words.

• Reduce background noise.

• Check that they have understood.

Instead of giving several choices, try offering two.

For example:

“Would you like tea or coffee?”

This can make it easier to understand the question and give an answer.

Don't assume you know what they want to say

When you know someone well, it is tempting to finish their sentences.

Sometimes this helps.

Sometimes it can be frustrating.

Your loved one may feel that people are talking for them rather than with them.

If they are struggling, ask before stepping in.

You could say:

“Do you want me to guess?”

Or:

“Can you show me?”

A gesture, written word, picture or object may help when speech is difficult.

Communication does not have to rely on talking alone.

Help them stay part of family conversations

Communication difficulties can make someone feel left out.

Family meals and visits can be particularly hard when several people are talking at once.

Your loved one may stop joining in because keeping up has become too difficult.

Small changes can help.

Try having one person speak at a time. Make sure your loved one can see the person speaking. Give them time to respond.

Most importantly, keep including them.

Speak to them directly rather than asking someone else questions about them while they are sitting there.

Being able to have a chat, share an opinion or laugh at a family joke can be an important part of feeling like yourself.

Communication may need to change over time

With a brain tumour, communication needs can change.

A strategy that works well today may need to be adapted later.

That does not mean there is nothing you can do.

Speech and language therapy can help families find the easiest and most effective ways to communicate at each stage.

This might include:

• Finding ways to make speaking easier.

• Helping with understanding.

• Using writing, pictures or gestures.

• Helping family members change how they communicate.

• Finding other ways for someone to express choices, needs and feelings.

• Responding to changes as they happen.

The aim is not simply to practise speech.

It is to help the person stay connected to the people around them and communicate what matters to them.

You do not have to work this out alone

It can be frightening when someone you love suddenly cannot find a familiar word or struggles to tell you what they need.

Families often want to help but are unsure what to do.

Getting the right advice can make everyday communication feel more manageable.

Helen McLean is an experienced Speech and Language Therapist who works with adults with acquired communication difficulties, including people affected by brain tumours.

Therapy and support are tailored to the individual and their family. As communication needs change, strategies can change too.

If you are worried about communication changes following a brain tumour, get in touch to discuss how speech and language therapy could help your loved one and your family communicate more easily.