Health & Fitness
Stages of Dementia
Experts have found some common patterns of symptom progression that occurs in most people with dementia.
I am frequently asked how can you tell what stage a loved one suffering with memory impairment is in. Here is one staging method this one uses seven stages for defining Alzheimer's Disease specifically.
Stage 1: No memory impairment.
Stage 2: Very mild decline-forgetfulness, family unaware.
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Stage 3: Mild Cognitive decline-word and name finding problems, misplacing items, problems at work, forgetting names.
Stage 4: Moderate decline-forgetting current events, decreased ability to handle complex tasks such as paying bills, go shopping, plan meals.
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Stage 5: Moderately severe decline-forgetting spouse and children's names, major memory gaps, unable to do simple math, needs help with some day-to-day activities.
Stage 6: Severe Cognitive decline-personality changes, toileting assistance needed, incontinence occurs, behavioral changes (delusional, hallucinations, repetitive behaviors), wandering and getting lost.
Stage 7: Very severe decline-final stage, needs help with all ADL's loss of speech, loss of ambulation, swallowing impaired, loss of recognition family.
