Different Stage for Dementia

There are different types of dementia, Alzheimer's disease being the most well-known. The kinds of dementia are differentiated by the areas of the brain which are affected.
In general, the condition is characterized by more than memory problems alone. Having problems with two or more brain functions indicates dementia. This could include memory loss, language difficulties, impaired judgment, confusion and personality changes.

Dementia Facts

• According to the National Institute on Aging, there are a variety of conditions which can result in dementia. Some, like dehydration, poor nutrition, adverse medication reactions, thyroid problems, vitamin deficiencies and head injuries may be reversible. The more commonly known forms of dementia are Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia (also referred to as multi-infarct dementia), which are most prevalent in older people and are not reversible. Symptoms may include time disorientation, changes in personal hygiene, increased risk-taking, inability to follow directions, getting lost in well-known areas, neglecting nutrition and general disorientation. There are three basic stages: early, moderate and severe dementia.

Stage 1: Early Stage Dementia

• Early dementia frequently goes unnoticed and may only be recognizable in hindsight. Many of the symptoms can be chalked up to old age or stress. Dementia's onset is usually gradual and may include symptoms like an unwillingness to try new things, loss of interest in activities, increased apathy, inability to adjust to change, poor decision-making, poor judgment, taking longer to understand complex ideas, taking longer with regularly performed activities, increased self-centeredness, diminished concern for others, forgetfulness, irritability when not able to do something, repeating oneself, blaming others for lost items and difficulty in managing money.

Stage 2: Moderate Dementia

• As dementia progresses, symptoms become more visible and more of a hindrance to normal functioning. In the moderate stage symptoms may include increased repetitiveness, confusion about place and time, neglecting hygiene, neglecting nutrition and eating, becoming lost if not in very well-known surroundings, forgetting recent events and seeming to have a better long-term than short-term memory (although even long-term details are often confused or forgotten). Additional signs include forgetting the names of friends or family members, confusing one person with another, forgetting items on the stove (like pots or kettles), increasing anger and frustration, wandering around, hearing or seeing things and behaving inappropriately.

Stage 3: Severe Dementia

• The severe stages of dementia generally are debilitating and require complete care for the patient. Signs of severe dementia include incontinence, inability to speak, inability to understand speech, inability to remember even very short-term things (like what you just ate for your meal), not recognizing family and friends, requiring help with personal activities (like bathing, going to the bathroom, dressing or eating), failure to identify objects, nighttime disturbances, restlessness, looking for a dead relative, aggression, difficultly or inability to walk and having uncontrolled movements.

Considerations

• If you suspect that you or someone you love may be suffering from dementia, you should seek the advice of your doctor. If the condition is reversible, seeking treatment as early as possible will yield the best prognosis. According to Penn State's Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, irreversible dementia cannot be cured but there are medications which can help to slow the progression of the disease and improve quality of life.