Stages of Dementia
Do you know someone who has been diagnosed with dementia but still don't know that much about it?
Learning about the signs & symptoms of dementia can help with early diagnosis and treatment. As well this can also help support family and caregivers.
Stage 1: Non cognitive dementia- normal functioning stage. Commonly known as pre dementia.
Stage 2: Age Associate Memory Impairment- a lapse in memory most frequently see in forgetting where one has placed an object or forgetting names that were once familiar. Mild decline in memory is normal age related cognitive decline but can be an early sign of degenerative dementia.
Stage 3: Mild Cognitive Impairment- clear cognitive problems arise at this stage. Examples: getting lost easily, forgetting names of close friends, difficulty retaining information when reading, misplacing important objects, and difficulty concentrating. May start to exhibit signs of mild to moderate anxiety at this stage.
Stage 4: Mild Dementia- stage individuals may start to become socially withdrawn and show changes in personality or mood. Often in denial as a defence mechanism. Symptoms: decreased knowledge of recent events, difficulty remembering own personal history, decrease in ability to handle finances, and disorientated at times.
Stage 5: Moderate Dementia- stage where assistance for daily living is needed. Symptoms: inability to remember major details such as family names or address. Can be disorientated to time, place, and forget basic information about self. Normally individuals don't need assistance with basic functioning at this stage such as dressing, toileting, eating.
Stage 6: Moderately Severe Dementia- Symptoms- begins to forget names of children, spouse, or primary caregivers. Generally unaware of surroundings. Cannot recall recent events. Unable to remember much of personal past. Family/caregivers should watch for delusional behaviour, obsessive behaviour, anxiety, aggression, agitation, and loss of willpower. Can begin wandering and having difficulty sleeping.
Stage 7- Severe Dementia- Individuals start to lose motor skills and some the ability to speak. The brain starts to lose connection with the body. At this stage assistance will be needed to mobilize, eat, toilet and other functions of daily living.
Though most cases of dementia are progressive, some may be reversible if the underlying deficiencies are treated. Stay tuned for next weeks email on the causes of dementia.
Understanding more about this condition can help with understanding how to help you or your family.
Don’t hesitate to call me at 1-306-831-7418 to book your appointment for you or your loved one.
Jenilee