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Stages of Dementia - Sometimes Predictable
The stages of dementia depend on
each individual person.
Many factors are involved on how dementia outplays itself. But some things are predictable. Do you know what they are? In the 2009 World Alzheimer Report, the most recent global study on overall dementia (not just Alzheimer’s) the dementia stages and how the disease evolves were dependent on many factors about the person, before the disease hit. Factors like their overall personality and lifestyle. Or their relationships and previous health. Any other elderly issues they may be challenged with. A varied combination of factors influence how the disease will progress in each person. However, the stages can basically be summarized: Early, Middle, and Late Stage. Here is a recap of the stages of dementia.
Early Stage
The early stages of dementia can be very subtle and last for perhaps two years. We all know that those “senior moments” are very common. Even if you’re 50. We all laugh about them, in fact. So where do we draw the line…when does it cross over from being a senior moment, to symptoms of dementia? The aging process is gradual, and there is no set line of demarcation. According to the 2009 World Alzheimer Report, these are the symptoms of dementia to look for in the early stages:- Have problems talking properly; language problems.
- Memory loss of events that just happened.
- Forgets the time of day, or the day of the week.
- Becomes lost in familiar places.
- Difficulty in making decisions.
- Becomes unmotivated and inactive.
- Mood changes; exhibits depression or anxiety.
- On occasion will reeact unusually angrily or aggressively.
- Shows a loss of interest in hobbies and activities that once were meaningful and enjoyable.
Middle Stages
In the middle stages of dementia, the dementia sufferer will experience more limitations as dementia progresses. Daily life becomes more difficult and restricting.- Becomes very forgetful; for instance, of people’s names and of recent events.
- Living alone generates problems in many areas.
- Is not able to perform daily functions such as clean, shop, or cook.
- Becomes extremely dependent on caregivers or family for normal activities.
- Requires assistance with personal hygiene, washing, toileting, and dressing.
- Has even more difficulty with speech.
- Tends to wander.
- Exhibits other behavioral problems such as repeating, shouting, calling out, clinging.
- Experiences disturbed sleep.
- Becomes easily lost both outside and indoors at home.
- May even experience visual or auditory hallucinations that are unreal.
Late Stages
At this point in the later stages of dementia, nearly total dependence is experienced. Also increased inactivity. The patient suffers both extreme memory loss, and physical effects as well. - Difficulty in eating; loss of appetite.
- Unable to communicate.
- Does not recognize family members, friends, or familiar objects.
- Hardly understands what is going on in their environment.
- May have difficulty walking.
- Incontinency problems; unable to detect the signals for normal bladder and bowel processes.
- Inappropriate behavior in public.
- May need to be confined to bed or a wheel chair.
Dementia has many different causes, and some types of the disease can be treated and corrected. Alzheimer’s is just one very specific type of dementia, and probably the most well known. Dementia does not necessarily have to occur. It is not necessarily a doomed result of “old age.” Many health practitioners believe that proper nutrition and health care can prevent many types of this disease. Make sure you read our other pages about the various aspects of dementia, particularly the eye-opening findings of the 2009 World Alzheimer Report which states that dementia is fast becoming a world “epidemic” and we need to be informed.
Global Dementia Statistics Spell Urgency
-- Dementia Statistics in the 2009 World Alzheimer Report are staggering. Our easy summary explains it concisely. Now you don't have to sift through information overload from a 96-page document. But if you do want to read it, or its shorter Executive Summary, we provide a link for you to access on this page.
Causes of Dementia
-- The causes of dementia actually change the brain, sometimes irreversibly. But there are important precautions you can take. Dementia does not have to be "just one of those things" in old age.
Dementia Screening
-- Not to be taken lightly. Did you know about half of mild dementia cases slip through the cracks? Dementia screening is important since dementia is sometimes treatable. Unless it is too late.
Dementia Treatment
-- So if you or your loved one should receive a diagnosis, is there any hope? Yes, sometimes. Dementia treatment may be possible if detected in time. Learn what the options are.
Return from Stages of Dementia back to Dementia Overview
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