Dementia isn’t a disease, rather it is a term used to describe a collection of symptoms that can include memory loss and confusion.
It is a progressive condition with the three stages described as early, middle and late. Learning how to recognize the early signs of dementia can help you recognize the onset of decline. One of the most common types of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. Others include Lewy Body and Vascular dementia.
Here is how early dementia progresses and the signs and symptoms that are part of that progression.
It’s important to note that even though dementia has three stages, each individual will experience them differently. Dementia is a very fluid condition. So, there are no hard and fast rules about when a person will move from one stage to another. Some symptoms may appear in several stages, while others might not occur at all. Dementia occurs gradually and results in a slow worsening of symptoms as the chemistry of the brain and its structure are damaged. Dementia will reduce the person’s ability to:
- communicate.
- remember people, places and things.
- understand conversations, concepts and directions.
- reason.
Behaviors and moods also will change across the three stages of dementia.
Early Stage Dementia
The Alzheimer’s Society says there is good evidence that by the time people exhibit signs of dementia, the disease has existed for many years in the brain. The initial symptoms of dementia, such as forgetfulness and difficulty retrieving words, can be taken as signs of normal aging, until they begin to occur more regularly and affect activities of daily living. The signs and symptoms of early stage dementia include:
- memory problems, such as forgetting recent events, or repeating the same question over and over again.
- lapses in reasoning, planning or problem-solving with trouble thinking things through to logical conclusions.
- short attention spans that make the person easily distracted.
- language impairments, including taking longer to find the right word, or an inability to call an object by its name (toaster, car, etc.).
- changes in visual depth perception, which cause trouble navigating stairs or judging distances.
- putting objects in the wrong place, such as car keys in the freezer or ice cream in the kitchen cabinet.
In the early stages of dementia, your loved one may realize these memory losses are increasing and, as a result, become depressed or anxious. It is important to offer reassurance and comfort.
Middle Stage Dementia
As dementia progresses into the middle stage, personality, behavioral and memory changes will become more noticeable.
- Your loved one will need more help and support with daily activities, such as grooming and personal hygiene.
- He may forget to wash, eat or use the toilet.
- Memory loss increases and may include an inability to recognize people.
- Forgetfulness may cause your loved one to not take medication, get lost, turn on burners and not turn them off, etc.
- Mood and behavior changes become more distinct and may result in outbursts, anger, frustration or aggressive behavior.
Your loved one may walk off or start wandering endlessly around the house. He may mix up night and day, or begin to exhibit odd behaviors, such as wearing pajamas outside, asking strangers for food and other socially inappropriate actions.
Late-stage Dementia
At this stage, people will need almost complete help with daily living. They may require full-time nursing care. They may become non-verbal. They will be physically weak, will have significant trouble walking alone and may need a wheelchair. Other signs of late-stage dementia include:
- inability to recognize loved ones.
- trouble eating and swallowing.
- significant weight loss.
- incontinence may begin to occur.
- behavior changes, which may include restlessness, as if searching for someone.
- angry outbursts or depression.
- feeling threatened.
- an inability to know where they are, or time of day, etc.
Despite the difficult nature of these symptoms, it is important to remember that when you are with a loved one who suffers from dementia, he will respond to a kind word and a comforting touch. Understanding how to communicate with someone who has dementia can be hard, but it is still possible. It is important to soothe and reassure your loved one regardless of the stage of dementia.
If you need support caring for a loved one who suffers from dementia or any other cognitive decline, call us. Our trained caregivers can provide support to fit your schedule and provide you with peace of mind. We understand aging, and we can help your loved one age in a healthy manner. Caregivers at Home Care Assistance are available for daily and hourly respite care for your loved one to help you protect your health and focus on yourself also.
Contact Certified Dementia Practitioner Amanda Butas, your Mesa client care manager. Call (480) 699-4899 to see how our caregivers can help your loved one thrive. You also can visit us at our new office next to Bed Bath and Beyond, located on Power and McKellips roads, at 2031 N. Power Road, Suite 103.