Dementia is a generalized term used to describe a variety of diseases--such as Alzheimer's--that affect a person's reasoning abilities, memory and ability function, and care for himself. The primary features of this condition are categorized into three stages. According to the Better Health Channel, not every person displays every feature. However, this staging is still considered an accurate description of how this condition and the diseases it includes progress.
Stage 1 (Early Dementia)
The signs during the early stage of dementia are so subtle, it's easy to dismiss them, often using age or overwork as reasons for the person's abnormal actions. At this point, the onset of the disease is gradual, and only when it becomes more severe do loved ones look back on this period and realize it may have been the early stage of dementia, the Better Health Channel says.
During this period, the person is quite aware that her memory is not as good as it used to be. However, she is able to make excuses for these lapses--excuses that, for the most part, family members believe. On occasion, a loved one may find one of her excuses to be a problem but will chalk it up to a bad day or simple memory changes that occur with aging.
As a family member, you may see her begin to use note pads, lists or see her writing on her calendar more. Though this may appear odd to you, these are all tools she's implementing to help her maintain her ability to remember, which ultimately allows her to remain independent.
Aside from her loss of memory, she may begin to lose interest in her usual hobbies or activities, may begin making poor decisions and display poor judgment skills, become irritable if she doesn't succeed at something or show she's having problems handling her own money. At this point, you could encourage her to speak with her doctor about any or all of these changes. Seeking early treatment could slow the progression of her condition.
Stage 2 (Moderate Dementia)
Signs displayed during moderate dementia are much more disabling and noticeable to the person's family members.
The gaps and losses in his memory are so obvious, they can no longer be hidden. Short-term memory loss is affected the most, resulting in his asking the same questions repeatedly, sometimes within minutes of each other. He may become anxious during social events, as large groups of people now make him uncomfortable.
This stage can be dangerous for him as well. He may begin to wander from surroundings that are familiar to him, becoming confused and unable to find his way home again. He may also forget that he has pots or pans on the stove, or forget to light the gas and turn the stove on anyway.
Acting aggressively and inappropriately is also common behavior at this point. He may go outside in his underwear, or become physically or verbally abusive to friends or family members when he becomes frustrated. It's also common for him to neglect his personal hygiene or forget to eat.
During this stage, it's important to encourage your loved one to see his doctor if a diagnosis has not already been given, according to Understanding Dementia. It's also recommended that legal and medical paperwork be written, allowing another to act on his behalf once he is completely incapacitated. You may also want to consider long-term facilities if friends and family members are unable to be with him at all times; this ensures his safety and constant care.
Stage 3 (Severe Dementia)
By this time, your loved one's dementia is completely taking hold of her life, impairing her ability to function in most aspects. Though some abilities remain--such as her sense of touch and hearing, as well as her ability to respond to emotion--many other abilities are lost due to the progression of her disease.
During this stage, her ability to think and communicate is hindered greatly, which is quite obvious when attempting to have a conversation with her for more than a few minutes. She is no longer able to live independently, requiring help with normal daily activities such as bathing and dressing. She also needs 24-hour supervision to ensure her safety needs are met. She eventually becomes immobile, eventually becoming bedridden. As time passes, the disease shuts down her mind and body, leading eventually to her death.
