Dementia is the general term used to describe memory loss and the deterioration of cognitive abilities, and Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia among older adults. In America, 1 in 9 adults over the age of 64 has the disease and that number rises to 1 in 3 once adults reach age 85. Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease where the symptoms develop slowly and gradually get worse over time, eventually becoming severe enough to interfere with common everyday tasks.

‍

Medical professionals often discuss dementia in stages. These stages refer to how far dementia has progressed and which symptoms one can expect to experience. Having these clearly defined stages helps caregivers understand where their loved one stands with the disease and allows them to better determine the right course of treatment.

‍

Generally, dementia is defined in three stages – early, middle, and late.

‍

Early Stages

Patients in the early stages of dementia have difficulty concentrating, trouble remembering recent events or recently learned information, may have trouble managing their finances, and find it hard to travel alone to new places. Patients will also begin having a hard time socializing and may become withdrawn or refrain from doing activities they once enjoyed. Despite some of the symptoms still being mild, a physician will be able to diagnose dementia in the early stages.

‍

Middle Stages

Patients in the middle stages of dementia will start having major memory lapses. In addition to forgetting recent events, people in this stage will often begin to forget vital pieces of information like their home address, their phones number, and even the names of close friends and family. At this point, many patients will need some help completing daily living activities such as preparing meals, dressing, and bathing. As patients reach the late-middle stages their ability to speak declines and incontinence often becomes a problem. Noticeable personality changes and emotional problems are also common as many patients become anxious and agitated and may even experience delusions.

‍

Late Stages

As patients enter the late stages of dementia, they often lose the ability to speak and communicate. These patients will require help with even the most basic activities like eating and using the bathroom. They also often lose their psychomotor skills like the ability to walk.

‍

Depending on the stage of dementia, the course of treatment for each patient will vary.

‍