Are there stages of dementia?
Are there stages of dementia?
No national dementia-related organizations define dementia by numerical stages. The Alzheimer’s Association does, however, define three stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease dementia is the most common type of dementia. Some of the symptoms in these three stages are the same as symptoms for many of the forms of dementia.
Early-stage Alzheimer’s disease (mild)
People in the mild stage of Alzheimer’s disease are still able to function on their own. They may still drive, go to work and socialize. Some changes are happening that may or may not be noticed by the person with Alzheimer’s disease, but may be noticeable by close friends and family members.
Difficulties may include:
- Trouble remembering a person’s name after being introduced.
- Losing or misplacing multiple objects.
- Having a hard time coming up with the right word consistently.
- Trouble planning, organizing, managing or completing tasks.
- Consistently forgetting what you just read.
Middle-stage Alzheimer’s disease (moderate)
People in the middle stage of Alzheimer’s disease can be in this stage for many years. They can take part in everyday activities with help. Symptoms are more obvious.
Difficulties may include:
- Confusion about what year/season it is or where you are.
- Forgetting events and being unable to recall personal history (phone number, address, the college you attended, etc.).
- Changes in personality, mood and behavior, such as becoming suspicious, delusional and performing compulsive, repetitive actions.
- Changes in day/night sleeping patterns.
- Controlling your bladder and/or bowels.
- Wearing clothes for the wrong season or occasion.
- Wandering and becoming lost.
Late-stage Alzheimer’s disease (severe)
People in the late stage of Alzheimer’s disease can’t carry on conversations, lose awareness of what’s going on around them and can’t control their movement.
Difficulties may include:
- Trouble communicating, which may include only being able to say a few words or phrases.
- Trouble walking.
- Trouble swallowing.
- Being more prone to infections, especially pneumonia.
- Requiring 24-hour assistance with care.