I have a brother-in-law who just paces (i am told) and does not talk at all. He is not mean or anything, he goes with his wife shopping and sometimes someone else stays with him while she gets out. I have never heard of someone just "not talking at all". Is there anything that can be done. He is healthy as far as I know except for the Alzheimer's. I haven't seen him for some time, but am curious.

Hello Peyton,

Thank you for using the Alzheimer's Association message boards as a source for information.

Alzheimer's is a progressive disease that eventually affects all aspects of the brain. It usually impacts a person's short term memory first and then gradually begins to affect their speech and motor skills. Some people notice that their loved one cannot find the right words for things or that they will mumble sounds that aren't words. It is possible that your brother-in-law is unable to find the right words or unable to understand conversations and therefore is not speaking anymore. People with AD can also retain an awareness that they aren't functioning normally so it's possible that your brother in law is not speaking for fear of saying something that doesn't make sense.

Alzheimer's is a very puzzling disease and it impacts the entire family. I commend you for your efforts to learn more about it. Please feel free to write again or call us at 1-800-272-3900 with any other questions.


Stages of AD

The Basics of Alzheimer's Disease

Sincerely,