Dementia is a progressive condition that affects memory, problem-solving skills, language, and functions that affect daily living. There are several types of dementia, including Alzheimers disease, vascular, Lewy body, and frontotemporal dementia, and each type advances at unique rates and differs from person to person. The seven stages of dementia are separated into three progressive phases of dementia: pre-dementia, early-stage dementia, mid-stage dementia, and late-stage dementia. The seven stages of dementia are:
- No Dementia, Stages 1-3
- Stage 1: Normal outward behavior. No Dementia. Quality of life: no impact
- Stage 2: Very mild cognitive decline. In this stage, people start to experience normal forgetfulness. This sign is normally associated with aging resulting in loved ones and professionals not noticing the underlying cause.
- Stage 3: Mild cognitive decline. In this stage, loved ones may begin to notice an increase in forgetfulness, difficulty in concentration, and speech difficulty. This is the final stage in this category prior to the onset of dementia.
- Early-Stage Dementia, Stage 4
- Stage 4: Early-stage dementia. In this stage, professionals can detect cognitive decline problems during a patient appointment. The person will begin to have trouble concentrating, performing daily tasks such as finances, increase in forgetfulness, and memory issues.
- Mid-Stage Dementia, Stages 5-6
- Stage 5: Moderate cognitive decline. In this stage, the symptoms of dementia will be having a profound effect on the individual. They will start to forget names and have little memory of events or earlier memories. In this stage, the individual will have personality/emotional changes, bladder control issues, and anxiety.
- Stage 6: Severe cognitive decline. In this stage, the person will have difficulty remembering the names of close family members and will require assistance with activities of daily living. They may also experience personality changes, agitation, and delusions.
- Late-Stage Dementia, Stage 7
- Stage 7: Very severe cognitive decline. Stage seven is the final stage of the dementia progression. At this stage, most people will have no ability to speak or communicate. They will require assistance with all activities of daily living, including eating and toileting. They may also experience a loss of motor skills and the inability to move without help.
