7 Stages of Dementia
While dementia is a general term, Alzheimer’s disease is a specific form of dementia. Dementia can present itself differently in each individual. Some may progress at a more rapid rate and show more severe symptoms. There are seven different stages of dementia, and they each affect your cognitive and memory skills in some way.
7 Stages of Dementia:
Stage 1: No decline.
Stage 2: Age-related memory impairment. Individuals may have trouble remembering smaller details but can 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 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 suffer from extreme memory loss. This memory loss can include family names, home addresses, and phone numbers.
Stage 6: Moderately severe dementia. Individuals at this stage often can't remember much about anything, including their spouse's name, 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 can be different for every individual who experiences it. Each stage could progress quickly or take years to pass. No matter the individual’s situation, no family should have to go through this process alone. Please give us a call at (Bardstown) 502-349-2026 or (Elizabethtown) 270-234-9440 for more information regarding dementia and what the next steps are. We look forward to meeting you and caring for your loved ones.