There are many different Types of Dementia. Many of these have different progressions or characteristics. Even within Alzheimer’s itself there is tremendous variation. As a result there are many different definitions of “stages”, all of which shed some light on the process. Below is a modified version of the description of Alzheimer’s Stages that appears on the mayoclinic.com website. Keep in mind that stages may last for years. Also, the person may seem to shift back and forth between stages for a long time as they progress slowly downward. (See the page When Is It Time for thoughts on stages and placement.) Mild Cognitive Impairment. The person has some isolated cognitive problems, most often with short-term memory, but can continue to live independently. It may be impossible to distinguish this from Normal Age Related Memory Loss (see What Is…). Early Stage Dementia. The person experiences problems in two or more areas of higher mental functioning such as short-term memory, decision making, reasoning, concentration, judgment, problem solving, etc. The individual may become confused when in public. Depression, frustration or moodiness may become significant because of their sense of decline (even though they may vehemently deny any change in condition). Assistance with the higher Activities of Daily Living (money management, going shopping, cooking meals, cleaning the house, etc.) is increasingly necessary. The ability or wisdom of continuing to live independently becomes increasingly doubtful. Mid Stage Dementia. The person has severe thinking impairment and difficulty communicating. Forgetfulness seriously impairs the ability to perform normal and familiar tasks. They are often disoriented as to time and place. Comprehension of instructions or requests is minimal. They are can be easily upset, confused or depressed by any pressure (for example, when others urge them to do better or try harder). He or she can't live alone and needs help with almost all of the basic Activities of Daily Living (dressing, grooming, medicines, toileting, etc.). The person can go out in public only with assistance. Significant behavioral problems (combativeness, wandering, resistance to help, hiding things, wanting to “go home”, nighttime restlessness or agitiation, etc.) may appear. Late Stage Dementia. The person experiences severe problems with communication, losing the ability to express their basic needs. Eventually the ability to speak at all will disappear. Long term memory begins to decline and even the ability to recognize family members may decline. They become completely incontinent of both bowel and bladder. They require constant and complete care. Ironically some people will become more docile and even happier as they progress, having forgotten all of the things that stressed and worried them before. Final Stage of Dementia. At the end stage, the person is usually bedridden and unable to do anything for themselves. Total care including feeding and transfer assistance are required. At ALZCARE® we want you to find the right care home…the
one that can help your loved one now and well into the future
as their dementia progresses.
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