What Are The 7 Stages Of Dementia: Identification & Treatment

It’s hard for people to remember things at an older age. The reason behind it could be Dementia. There are 7 stages of Dementia that cause memory problems in patients. It is possible to get the right treatment when you know the current disease stage. 

In the case of senior citizens, experiences may differ from stage to stage. And most of the physical changes are shown in the later stages. Unfortunately, experts claim that when Dementia is in the final stage, it is not curable. That’s why it is important to know all the stages of Dementia in detail for early identification of the disease. However, before knowing the several stages of Dementia, it is essential to know about the disease in detail. Let’s have a look at what Dementia is and its several stages:

Dementia: An Overview

Dementia is a disease mostly noticed in older people. It results in memory loss which is due to bad cognitive function. Thus, people who suffer from this cannot think and recall information. 

Most people consider this memory loss as an age factor. However, the fact is that in the higher stages of Dementia, people cannot even function properly. According to the experts, it is crucial to know the different stages of Dementia. It helps in the diagnosis process and finding suitable treatment.

What Are The Early Signs Of Having Dementia?

Before knowing the seven stages of Dementia in humans, you must be aware of the early signs. Thus, you will be able to identify the disease in its first few stages and have good chances of getting better. 

There are different types of Dementia; some show early or no signs at all. That is the reason why people are unable to know the current stage of Dementia. According to recent studies, more than 55 million people have Dementia worldwide. Out of it, 30 million people don’t know about the current stage of their Dementia.

Here are the early signs of this disease:

Memory Loss

One of the common signs of Dementia is memory loss. In the early 7 stages of Dementia, people don’t notice the loss of memory. However, their ability to think starts to decrease when they go into the later stage.

Difficulty In Focus

When people have Dementia, they can feel a lack of focus. It is an early sign which can be seen in a few days. In the beginning, there are mild changes in cognitive power. Even patients are unable to finish daily tasks with focus. 

Confusion

Someone who is in the early stage of Dementia may often get confused. These people struggle to remember the faces, dates, months, etc. The confusion increases with time and causes difficulty.

Here are the other common signs which need your attention:

• Mood changes.
• Struggling to find the right word.
• The inability to complete daily tasks.
• Asking the same questions repetitively.
• Having problems with movement.
• Temporary paralysis.
• Weakness in muscles.

Read Also: What Is Childhood Alzheimer’s: Its Treatment, Symptoms, & Causes

What Are The 7 Stages Of Dementia?

There are seven stages of Dementia, out of which Alzheimer’s is the most common one. Each stage is categorized according to the symptoms shown in the patients. Doctors usually consider various tests to diagnose the current stage of Dementia.

Here are the seven stages of Dementia:

Stage 1: Mild Or No Symptoms

The primary stage of Dementia shows mild or no symptoms at all. Like any other disease, the changes in the body and brain are not noticeable in the beginning. In stage 1, people notice mild symptoms like confusion and changes in mood. On the other hand, some people don’t notice any early symptoms. This stage is also known as pre-dementia.

Stage 2: Mild Change In Cognitive Power

In stage 2 of Dementia, there is a mild decline in cognitive power. Patients suffer in remembering little things. When diagnosed by doctors, mild symptoms of Dementia may or may not be noticed. There is some sort of forgetfulness in the people. One common example of this stage is not remembering the things in place. However, some people see it as a sign of aging. It is difficult for experts to diagnose Dementia at this stage.

Stage 3: Mild Decline

In the third stage of Dementia, the family may notice the patient’s memory decline. During this patient finds it difficult to remember the face and name of a person. Additionally, there is also a decline in cognitive power. Physicians find the impairment in memory by performing the tests. Some of the common symptoms shown in this stage are as follows:

• Poor performance at work.
• Getting lost.
• Difficulty in driving.
• Asking the same question repeatedly.
• Inability to organize things.

It is also possible to see some anxiety in the patient at this stage. At this stage, it is advised to go into a clinical trial.

Stage 4: Moderate Cognitive Decline

In stage 4 of Dementia, the individual starts to notice mood changes. It is difficult for the patient to participate in challenging activities. That’s why the people who suffer from this stage become socially withdrawn. 

Some of the common signs of this stage of Dementia are the inability to remember historic events, difficulty in handling finances, etc. During this, patients need special care from friends and family members.

Stage 5: Moderate Dementia

At this stage, a person needs proper care and assistance. It means in stage 5, people start to show moderate symptoms of Dementia. As a result, your loved ones need help in day-to-day activities. It is also dangerous to let me go out alone. 

Some signs the patient starts showing are memory loss, frustrating behavior, and confusion. When you notice these signs, you should consult the expert as soon as possible. Moreover, hire a permanent caregiver if you cannot care for the patient 24 x 7.

Stage 6: Severe Cognitive Decline

Stage 6 of Dementia is also known as middle Dementia. It is the stage at which doctors start the diagnosis process. Patients need proper attention while performing even simple activities. A decline in cognitive functioning can be seen at this stage.

 As a result, the patient forgets the name of even family members and close friends. Other symptoms like confusion and anxiety can also be seen in the daily life of dementia patients. At this stage, doctors recommend a treatment to control the symptoms.

Stage 7: Last Stage Dementia

It is the last stage of Dementia which shows a very severe cognitive decline. A person in this stage is unable to communicate properly. There is a need for 24/7 assistance for patients in the last stage of Dementia. Caregiving is the option that plays an important role in handling this stage of Dementia.

Some of the common signs patients shows are as follows:

• Difficulty in eating
• Changes in weight
• Loss of speech
• Restlessness
• Body infections

In the seven stages of Dementia, you must consult with an expert. Patients need special care along with love at this stage.

Possible Treatments For 7 Stages Of Dementia

The possible treatment of Dementia depends on its causes and the current stage. Also, one of the causes of developing Dementia is a lack of vitamins and supplements.

Here is the possible treatment to control the symptoms:

Donepezil

It is an oral medication that is used to treat Dementia. It is suitable to treat mild, moderate, and severe stages of Dementia. However, patients can feel the side effects in the form of headaches, dizziness, vomiting, etc.

Memantine

In the memantine treatment, medications are recommended to treat brain cells. This treatment is used in the moderate and severe stages of Dementia.

Patient Monitoring

It is a non-medication treatment in which doctors monitor the patient. In the later stages of Dementia, special care is provided to the patient. It involves monitoring brain movements, exercise, etc.

Conclusion

Dementia is a common disease that can be seen in senior citizens. It is essential to know the 7 stages of Dementia in detail. There are mild or no symptoms in the early stages, whereas in the final stage, patients face memory loss and cognitive functioning. It is essential to consult doctors for the diagnosis process and possible treatment available.

Alnicor Consulting provides expert help to dementia patients. Our experts will guide you through the right process to recover from the disease. We support the health of our patients with personalized consultancy. Book your personalized Dementia care session now.

For more info, you can talk to our experts at (833) 211-1777.