As dementia currently has no cure, coming to terms with the diagnosis is rarely easy for anyone, and each individual’s journey will look different. Stages of dementia don’t fall into a strict set of patterns, and how each patient progresses will be unique to several factors, such as their lifestyle and medical history. One person’s symptoms may be very different from another’s. However, understanding the stages of dementia can help you better prepare for the kind of care your loved one will eventually require.

What Are The 6 Stages Of Dementia?

Independence

Initially, a person diagnosed with dementia will need little to no intervention from their friends or family. This is because they are still largely able to do the things they could before. Their memory is still likely fairly strong, and they have not lost abilities such as reading clocks, being aware of their surroundings, remembering phone numbers, and the like. They can usually take care of their surroundings and themselves analogously to before their diagnosis.

A condition that sometimes accompanies a dementia (particularly Alzheimer’s) diagnosis is anosognosia. This is the inability to accept, understand, or perceive one’s illness.

People with anosognosia can show signs of agitation and anger when offered assistance. They may slowly start believing that any mistake made is the fault of others, and they may become suspicious or paranoid as a result. If you believe that your loved one may be dealing with anosognosia, let their doctor know.

Uncertainty

Steadfast independence may eventually turn into uncertainty. People with full anosognosia may blame others for their frustration or confusion. However, people with partial or no anosognosia may start to feel that things are changing. They may realize that they have forgotten to complete a task or may find themselves unable to complete it. This is when they may begin needing assistance from others.

Following The Footsteps Of Others

You’ll know your loved one has entered this stage when they say things like “I’ll have what you’re having” or “you decide for me.”. They may be beginning to lose the capacity to make decisions for themselves. At this point, they may have lost some aforementioned skills, such as the ability to keep track of time.

This is when you must increase your support and care for them. Ensure that they are eating right, bathing, and maintaining personal hygiene.

Developing Neediness

When a person with dementia enters this stage, you must realize that their confusion and anxiety have reached such a level that they cannot complete everyday tasks when left alone. They may not even understand the difference between afternoon and morning. They may lose track of the days or even months. They might say, “I would feel better if you sat next to me.”

This is when you know they require your utmost care and attention. You must be vigilant with your care.

Advanced Decline

When your loved one reaches this stage, they are likely to lose track of where they are and what they’re doing. They will forget key information about themselves and their surroundings, such as which school they attended or what their phone number and address is. They will likely lose many contextual abilities as well, such as knowing what is appropriate to wear day-to-day.

You can make their lives easier by keeping clothes out for them every day, for instance. But if they are still able, let them maintain some independence such as dressing up alone if they wish to. If they end up repeating questions, ensure that your replies aren’t targeted with aggression. Talk to them in a calm, soft-toned voice.

Severe Decline

At this stage, your loved one may forget names but recognize faces. They can end up mistaking a person for someone entirely different. For example, they may think that their wife is their mother. In this 6th stage, delusions may begin to set in. For example, they may think they have to get to work even though they don’t have a job. They might even require your assistance going to the bathroom, if they don’t already. Your loved one may experience:

• Inability to feed themselves
• Inability to get dressed
• Weight loss
• Erratic sleeping patterns
• Difficulty walking

At this stage, your loved one may require serious care from caregivers. You may begin looking into options such as hiring another caregiver, or passing their care to a nursing home. It is essential at this stage that someone is almost always present to help.

Knowing what to expect is a keystone to being prepared when it comes to your caregiving journey throughout your loved one’s dementia diagnosis. Preparing ahead of time can help make these transitions smoother for you and your loved one, but remember that each individual’s dementia journey is unique. Adjust your level of care to their specific needs, and while you’re still able to, communicate expectations with them and map out their care journey together.

‍