The 7 Stages of Dementia
While dementia is a general term, Alzheimer's disease is a specific brain disease. It is marked by symptoms of dementia that gradually get worse over time. Alzheimer's disease first affects the part of the brain associated with learning, so early symptoms often include changes in memory, thinking and reasoning skill.
There are 7 stages of dementia:
Stage 1: No decline.
Stage 2: Age-related memory impairment. Individuals may have trouble remembering smaller details, but are able to function normally.
Stage 3: Mild cognitive impairment. Individuals may begin to have difficulty remembering familiar destinations and names, as well as having poor work performance. Dementia is typically diagnosed at this stage.
Stage 4: Mild dementia. Personal history and current events begin to become a struggle to remember in this stage. However, individuals are generally still able to recognize friends and family, as well as carry out their day-to-day activities. Anxiety may increase along with withdrawal from social settings.
Stage 5: Moderate dementia. At this stage, most individuals require assistance with daily activities and develop major memory loss. This memory loss can include family names, home addresses, and phone numbers.
Stage 6: Moderately severe dementia. Individuals are this stage often can’t remember much about anything including their spouse’s name, their children’s names, or any personal history. Additional assistance is now required for day-to-day activities.
Stage 7: Severe dementia. This is the latest stage of dementia. Assistance is required for the majority of activities. Communication and basic motor skills are extremely limited.
Dementia is a progressive disease that is different for each individual that is diagnosed with it. Each stage can progress relatively fast or it could take several years. No matter the case, families should not have to go through the process alone. Whether a loved one is in need of temporary or permanent care, Westminster Memory Care is here to help. For more information on memory care or short-term stay options for a loved one with dementia, fill out the contact form on our website or give us a call at (803) 356-7507.