Dementia is a complex condition that progressively worsens over time. As cognitive decline increases, it brings about new symptoms for an individual. There may come a time when memory care will be necessary to help meet your loved one’s care and safety needs.
Dementia can be categorized into 7 stages to help families and caregivers manage the needs and level of care for their loved ones appropriately.
The 7 stages can be broken into categories of no dementia, early dementia, mild dementia, and late-stage dementia.
What Is Dementia?
Dementia itself is not a single disease. It’s an umbrella term used to describe a range of symptoms associated with cognitive decline.
Dementia is caused by various underlying conditions that damage brain cells. This damage impairs the ability of brain cells to communicate with each other, leading to cognitive decline.
Anyone can be at risk for dementia. Certain factors like aging, family history, and genetics can increase one’s risk of developing dementia.
Dementia doesn’t only occur in older adults. While age is a risk factor, individuals as young as 40 can begin to develop dementia. Since dementia can be categorized in stages, one can be in the early stages of dementia and not know.
There are several forms of dementia. An individual’s symptoms can vary depending on the type of dementia, but some general symptoms include:
- Memory loss
- Depression
- Agitation
- Paranoia and hallucinations
- Difficulty communicating
- Difficulty performing complex tasks
- Poor coordination and control of movements
The 7 Stages of Dementia
Dementia is progressive, meaning its symptoms worsen over time.
Dementia is often discussed in “stages.” Due to its progressive nature, these stages offer a way to categorize the symptoms and effects of dementia over time, making it easier to manage the condition more effectively and provide appropriate care at each stage.
While there is no cure for dementia, medications and therapies can help slow its progression.
Stage 1: No Cognitive Decline
In this initial stage, there are no visible signs of cognitive decline. In this stage, one can function normally in all aspects of life.
Individuals with no dementia symptoms are considered to be in this first stage.
Stage 2: Very Mild Cognitive Decline
This stage is often characterized by slight memory lapses, which are not unusual as it is human to forget.
These lapses may include forgetting familiar words or the location of everyday objects. Due to their familiar nature, they are not yet typically noticeable to friends, family, and medical professionals.
Stage 3: Mild Cognitive Decline
At this stage, cognitive impairments become more noticeable. Symptoms may include:
- Difficulty coming up with the right words or names
- Trouble remembering names when introduced to new people
- Greater difficulty performing tasks in social or work settings
- Losing or misplacing valuable objects
Family and friends may begin to notice these changes.
Stage 4: Moderate Cognitive Decline
In this stage, symptoms are more apparent and may include:
- Forgetfulness of recent events
- Impaired ability to perform challenging mental arithmetic
- Difficulty performing complex tasks, such as planning dinner for guests
- Forgetfulness about one’s own personal history
- Becoming moody or withdrawn, especially in socially or mentally challenging situations
While still in its early stages, a clinical diagnosis of dementia may be possible.
Stage 5: Moderately Severe Cognitive Decline
In this stage, individuals begin to require help with activities of daily living. Symptoms may include:
- Significant gaps in memory and thinking
- Needing help choosing proper clothing for the season or occasion
- Unable to recall their own address or telephone number
- Confusion about the location or what day it is
Stage 6: Severe Cognitive Decline
Memory continues to worsen during this stage, and personality changes may occur. Symptoms include:
- Loss of awareness of recent experiences and surroundings
- Difficulty remembering the name of their spouse or caregiver
- Needing assistance dressing properly and making mistakes such as putting pajamas over daytime clothes
- Major changes in sleep patterns
- Tendency to wander or get lost
Stage 7: Very Severe Cognitive Decline
In the final stage, individuals lose their ability to respond to the environment, carry on a conversation, and ultimately lose control of movement.
They will require full-time assistance with personal care, including eating. They may lose the ability to smile, sit without support, and hold their heads up.
What Is Memory Care?
Memory care is a specialized form of long-term care designed to meet the specific needs of individuals experiencing cognitive decline, such as dementia.
These communities have specially trained staff on-site to assist with residents’ needs, ranging from activities of daily living to medication management and cognitive therapy opportunities that help stimulate and promote cognitive function.
Deciding when to move your loved one into a memory care community is an emotional decision. Your loved ones safety and care should be the number one priority to keep in mind. Certain signs may indicate that it may be time for this step, including:
- Safety concerns: At a certain stage, living independently becomes unsafe for your loved one. If your loved one is prone to wandering, forgetting to turn off appliances, or getting lost, a memory care environment helps to promote safety for residents.
- Health concerns: If your loved one’s health condition becomes increasingly complex or requires constant assistance and supervision, professional help in memory care can provide this support.
- Caregiver stress: Caring for your loved one is rewarding and has many responsibilities. Caregiver burnout is a serious concern that can lead to physical, emotional, or mental strain, impacting the quality of care you can provide.
When Should Memory Care be Considered?
The stages of dementia can help families and caregivers understand the unique complexities of the changes your loved one may be experiencing. No stage provides a guideline for when families may consider memory care.
There are no specific rules for when an individual will need memory care. Everyone experiences stages of dementia slightly differently.
Ultimately, families should consider memory care when their loved one’s personal, safety, and medical needs aren’t being met at home. Due to dementia’s progressive nature, there may come a time when your loved one will benefit from having 24/7 professional care.
Schedule a Tour
Understanding the 7 stages of dementia can help family caregivers prepare for the progression of the disease and plan for the necessary care and support.
Memory care offers specialized care tailored to the needs of individuals with dementia, providing a safe and supportive environment.
Contact our team at Boden Senior Living in Coon Rapids to schedule a tour and learn more about memory care.
