The Stages in Dementia
Locally Owned | Long- and Short-Term Care | Alzheimer's and Dementia Care
Locally Owned
Long- and Short-Term Care
Alzheimer's and Dementia Care
Seven Stages of Alzheimer's
- Stage 1: No impairment - The person does not experience any memory problems. An interview with a medical professional does not show any evidence of symptoms of dementia
- Stage 2: Very mild cognitive decline - The person may feel as if he or she is having memory lapses-forgetting familiar words or the location of everyday objects. But no symptoms of dementia can be detected during a medical examination or by friends, family, or co-workers.
- Stage 3: Mild cognitive decline - Friends, family, or co-workers begin to notice difficulties. During a detailed medical interview, doctors may be able to detect problems in memory or concentration.
- Stage 4: Moderate cognitive decline - At this point, a careful medical interview should be able to detect clear-cut symptoms in several areas.
- Stage 5: Moderately severe cognitive decline - Gaps in memory and thinking are noticeable, and individuals begin to need help with day-to-day activities.
- Stage 6: Severe cognitive decline - Memory continues to worsen; personality changes may take place, and individuals need extensive help with daily activities.
- Stage 7: Very severe cognitive decline - In the final stage of this disease, individuals lose the ability to respond to their environment, to carry on a conversation and, eventually, to control movement. They may still say words or phrases. At this stage, individuals need help with much of their daily personal care, including eating or using the toilet. They may also lose the ability to smile, to sit without support and to hold their heads up. Reflexes become abnormal. Muscles grow rigid. Swallowing is impaired.
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