Dementia and the Three Stages

DEMENTIA is a term which describes many conditions that damage the brain cells. The number one sign is memory loss that disrupts daily life. This is where your loved one forgets significant dates and events. Asking for the same information again and again. And relying on memory reminder notes.

In medical terms, there are different staging models for dementia. The three-stage models and the seven-stage models.  In this article, I will be discussing the three stages of dementia.  The first stage is “no cognitive impairment” and on the other ending it is “severe dementia”. There is no set time for how long somebody stays in each stage of dementia. The progression is different for everyone. Also, one symptom will not detect what stage your loved one with dementia is in. Several symptoms need to be analyzed to diagnose what level or stage of dementia our loved one is in.

Who is affected?

Dementia can affect anyone, anywhere- regardless of race or socio-economic background. One in three people over the age of 65 will develop dementia but people as young as 40 have been diagnosed.

Two-thirds of dementia victims are women, this could be due to the lack of estrogen after the menopause.

People in the developed world see more cases of dementia. However, this is because people live longer than those in poorer countries.

Family members and close friends are often affected by the progress of a loved one’s dementia due to little support and lack of understanding.

Here are the three stages of Dementia

Mild: real mild memory loss. Minor personality changes. Start to forget some recent events. Misplaces objects. Difficulty in planning and organizing. Difficulty problem-solving. The close family supporter may believe their loved one is having an awful day. And wishing normal changes due to ageing. The changes may not appear “that terrible”.

Moderate: greater extent memory loss and other cognitive problems become a lot more noticeable. Increased confusion. No longer safe to drive and leave home alone. They may attempt to wander away. They have changes in their sleep. More noticeable personality changes. They may become angry, suspicious, and show aggression or agitation. Difficulty managing their hygiene, finances, and their medications.

Severe: No longer able to communicate. Difficulty swallowing and eating. Needs support with all simple tasks. Spends most of the day or all day in bed. Sleeps throughout the whole day. most of the day. Difficulty holding their head up. Loss of control over bowels and bladder.
If you notice any of the three stages of Dementia in yourself or someone you know. Please do not ignore them. Have schedule an appointment with your doctor. Early detection of Dementia matters.

And If you are under 65 years of age and have a diagnosis of dementia, you may be eligible for services through NDIS (https://www.dementia.org.au/support/in-your-region/NSW/younger-onset-dementia-and-the-ndis).

Below is an infographic for the early signs of Dementia. This is for early detection for dementia. And again, if you observe nor notice any of the 10 Early Signs of Dementia in yourself or someone you know, please, don’t ignore them. Have your doctor’s appointment.