Dementia involves a decline in cognitive abilities, including memory, thinking, language, judgment, and behavior, which affects a person’s daily function and quality of life.

It is not a specific disease but a group of conditions characterized by the progressive deterioration of brain function.

Phases of Dementia

Dementia progression is usually divided into three phases: mild, moderate, and severe dementia.

1. Mild Dementia

Mild dementia is the early stage of the disease, where symptoms may be subtle and go unnoticed. Signs of mild dementia include:.

Difficulty finding words or remembering names
Trouble with tasks requiring planning or organization
Forgetfulness of recent events or conversations
Misplacing things or losing the ability to retrace steps
Changes in mood or personality

In the mild stage, the person may still be able to perform daily activities but may require more time and effort. They may also experience difficulties with driving, managing finances, or using technology.

2. Moderate Dementia

The second stage of dementia is known as moderate or mid-stage dementia. Symptoms become more noticeable, and the person’s ability to function independently declines. Signs of moderate dementia include:.

Difficulty with basic activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and toileting
Limited attention span and memory impairment
Modest to severe changes in behavior and personality
Difficulty recognizing family and friends and other people
Requiring physical assistance with mobility

As the disease progresses, communication may become more challenging, and the person may have difficulty expressing themselves verbally. They may also begin to develop sleep disturbances, delusions, or hallucinations, and wandering behaviors.

3. Severe Dementia

The final stage of dementia is known as severe or late-stage dementia. At this stage, the person may become entirely dependent on others for their daily needs. Signs of severe dementia include:.

Loss of mobility and muscle control
Difficulty swallowing and feeding
Loss of speech and communication skills
Incontinence
Increased susceptibility to infections

Behavioral and psychological symptoms may also become more pronounced, such as agitation, aggression, and restlessness.

As the disease progresses, the risk of complications such as sepsis, pressure sores, and aspiration increases, and the person may need round-the-clock care.

Conclusion

Dementia is a progressive and debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Recognizing the signs and stages of dementia is essential to provide optimal care and support for those affected.

Early diagnosis and intervention can also help to slow down the disease’s progression, improve quality of life, and reduce the burden on caregivers.