Everyone’s experience with dementia is unique. Whether you’re living with dementia or caring for someone that has been diagnosed, this article will guide you through what to expect during the dementia stages.
Over 850,000 people in the UK live with dementia- a syndrome associated with a progressive decline in brain function. Dementia is an umbrella term for the many types of disease, including Alzheimer’s,vascular dementia, and frontotemporal dementia.
While dementia is most commonly associated with memory loss and old age, it is important to remember that dementia is not a normal part of ageing, and potential symptoms of dementia should be addressed with your GP. There are numerous cognitive and behavioural changes that a person experiences through the stages of dementia.
This article discusses the most common changes; however, not all features will be present in every person, and everyone will progress through the disease differently. It is widely recognised that there are three main stages of dementia and how it affects the person with dementia’s daily living. Below, we detail each stage and the associated care needs.
Mild – often referred to as early dementia.
Common Changes
The early stages of dementia are subtle and often dismissed as symptoms of overwork or old age. When family members think back to how their loved one acted during this stage, they often state that there was ‘something off’ or that their loved one had ‘lost their sparkle’.
- You may notice a person with mild dementia:
Have difficulty finding the right word or name. - Being forgetful and getting frustrated.
- Uncharacteristically making poor judgments.
- Losing items or claiming they were stolen.
- Repeating themselves in conversation.
- Problem solving may become more difficult from day to day, for example, when calculating the total for bills.
Care Needs
A person with early dementia can often live independently and perform daily activities like working, cooking and driving.
Moderate – may be called middle dementia.
Common Changes
The middle stage of dementia is the longest, often lasting many years. In this stage, you may notice your loved one becomes frustrated or angry at unexpected times. There is a significant impact on memory, thinking speed and mental sharpness, which can fluctuate over weeks or even throughout the day.
Common symptoms during moderate dementia:
- Moody or withdrawn, particularly in social situations.
- Forgetting recent or major life events.
- Inability to remember significant details like their phone number, address, birthday, what day it is or what season it is.
- Regular wandering or getting lost.
- Changes in sleep patterns.
- Often trouble with incontinence.
- Inappropriate or dangerous behaviour such as leaving the stove on and going outside at night alone.
Care Needs
As dementia progresses to the moderate stage, there is an increased need for care and support. Changes in the brain make it difficult for people with dementia to express themselves, and it can be challenging for carers to know how to react or help.
At this stage, you should consider accessing dementia home care services so that your loved one has the tailored, expert care they need to be safe.
Severe – also advanced or late-stage dementia.
Common Changes
Late-stage dementia is the final stage, linked to significant memory and cognitive decline. While they may still be able to talk, communicating and expressing thoughts is difficult; this is challenging for the patient and carer.
Symptoms most commonly associated with advanced dementia:
- Significant memory loss.
- Need help to complete any daily activity.
- Lose awareness of surroundings.
- Gradual physical decline. May lose the ability to walk, sit or swallow.
Care Needs
A person with severe dementia typically requires 24/7 care. Without it, the person is at high risk of injury or harm. For specialised Alzheimer’s care or dementia care at home, contact Aspire.
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