Stages Of Dementia: What To Expect As The Disease Progresses

Dementia is a progressive disease that slowly impairs the cognitive abilities of the patient. As it progresses, it impacts not only the individual but also their family and caregivers. However, understanding the stages of dementia can help provide the right support at each stage and prepare for the changes ahead. From the early signs of forgetting things to more severe symptoms that occur in later stages, each phase requires different approaches to care.

Stages Of Dementia

As the disease advances, people go through various stages, each with its unique challenges that require specific care and support. Understanding these stages is crucial for family members and caregivers to provide the best possible care at every step.

In the later stages, when the disease significantly advances, recognizing the 10 signs death is near dementia can help the loved ones prepare themselves and ensure the person receives the comfort and care they need.

Early Stage

In this stage, the symptoms are mild and may not get noticed easily. Many people in the early stage are independent enough and only require little assistance with daily tasks.

Symptoms

• Memory issues

The most common sign is memory issues. They may not recall recent conversations or events and may keep misplacing items around the house. People may find it difficult to remember words, names, or important dates.

• Decision making

Some people might experience difficulties with decision-making or problem-solving. They may struggle to make everyday choices – what to eat, how to plan, etc. Preparing meals or managing finances may seem overwhelming.

• Behavioral changes

Dementia affects a person’s mood and personality. They may become more anxious or irritable than usual and experience mood swings, where they feel happy one moment and then sad the next.

• Communication

While some people in the early stages may be able to communicate, they may start having trouble finding the right words during a conversation. This can cause pauses when they try to express themselves.

They may repeat themselves during a conversation or forget the names of people or places that are familiar to them. These issues are usually subtle at first but can grow more noticeable with time.

• Independence

In the early stage, many people maintain a level of independence and continue to manage daily tasks. But they may need more time to complete tasks and occasionally require reminders or help with planning activities.

Middle Stage

The middle stage brings more noticeable changes in dementia patients. They may need more help with daily activities and become more dependent on others for support.

Symptoms

• Memory loss and confusion

In this stage, memory issues become more significant. They may forget important details, such as names and recent events. This might happen more frequently than in the first stage.

People might also become confused about time, forgetting what day or month it is. They may struggle to recognize surroundings they know well. This confusion can sometimes lead to frustration and anxiety.

• Daily tasks

It becomes more difficult to manage daily tasks. They might need reminders or help from others to complete tasks like dressing, cooking, or bathing. Sometimes, they may also need help taking medications.

• Communication and behavior

Communicating with people becomes more challenging in the middle stage, making patients struggle to find words and join conversations. They may rely on nonverbal communication as their ability to speak and understand starts to decline.

They may also repeat themselves or say short phrases. It may get harder for them to follow what others are saying.

Mood swings become more significant, and they may get easily upset or agitated. They may become more depressed with their increasing dependency and loss of independence.

Some people also experience paranoia, where they believe people are trying to harm them.

• Wandering

People may feel disoriented or restless and wander off. This can be dangerous if they get lost or can’t find their way back.

• Hallucinations

Hallucinations may also start in the middle stage in some people. They may start to see and hear things that do not exist.

Later Stage

This stage has a severe impact on a person’s life. The patient requires full-time care – whether it’s help with daily activities or personal care. Most individuals in the last stage often opt for senior living facilities or in-home care.

Symptoms

• The signs that are shown in earlier stages get worse, such as memory problems, communication issues, thinking abilities, behavioral issues, etc.
• They may completely stop recognizing things and speak more than one language.
• The spoken language may be reduced to a few words, or they may lose it altogether.
• Hallucinations and delusions become more prominent in this stage. 
• They may become more aggressive and may even try to hit or push away caregivers.
• They may feel restless and may be unable to tell caregivers how they are feeling.
• Physical health gets worse, and they may spend more time in bed.
• They may have problems swallowing and may lose weight.

Conclusion

Understanding the stages of dementia before death is important for both patients and caregivers to provide the right support and care with each phase. With each stage, people experience a gradual decline in their physical and cognitive abilities, and early diagnosis can help to improve their lives.

While dementia is a challenging condition, knowing what to expect with each passing stage helps families to prepare and offer support. This ensures that the final stages are handled with compassion, dignity, and respect.