The progression, signs and stages of dementia (2024)

FAQs

The progression, signs and stages of dementia? ›

There are many different types of dementia and all of them are progressive. This means symptoms may be relatively mild at first but they get worse with time, usually over several years. These include problems with memory, thinking, problem-solving or language, and often changes in emotions, perception or behaviour.

The short answer is that it will depend on the stage of dementia that the person is in. For example, a stage one or mild dementia with a little bit of forgetfulness can be lived with. However, more severe stage four dementia means that support from outsiders and family members will be required.

Alzheimer's disease – around eight to 10 years. Life expectancy is less if the person is diagnosed in their 80s or 90s. A few people with Alzheimer's live for longer, sometimes for 15 or even 20 years. Vascular dementia – around five years.

Signs of the final stages of dementia include some of the following: Being unable to move around on one's own. Being unable to speak or make oneself understood. Eating problems such as difficulty swallowing.

There is no fixed point at which it is no longer practical or safe for a person with dementia to live alone. However, you might want to consider their ability to: make everyday decisions. prepare food.

Stage 6: Severe Mental Decline/Moderately Severe Dementia

Your loved one will not remember much or any of the past and may not recognize you and other family and friends.

The Alzheimer's Association recommends that people consider whether the health and safety of the person with dementia is at risk. Additionally, if someone with dementia is feeling isolated, a care home may provide a more social setting for them, with regular structure and interactions with staff or other residents.

Pain or Discomfort: General pain, side effects from medications, lack of sleep, and inability to describe their discomfort are all common symptoms that can trigger aggressive behavior or lashing out. Environment: This is the most common trigger for aggressive behavior in dementia patients.

What is the surge before death in dementia patients? ›

Terminal lucidity is a type of mental energy surge before death. This is when a person who has a condition that affects their brain, can suddenly think and speak clearly. For example, a person who has dementia may remember and speak the names of family members — even if they haven't been able to do so for a long time.

You can't tell whether someone has dementia by looking in their eyes. However, vision loss commonly occurs among people with dementia. It's not clear whether vision loss causes dementia or vice versa. It may be that both sight loss and dementia are more common among older adults.

It can be hard to stay awake during the day after a poor night's sleep but, if possible, it's best to try to limit sleep during the day to small bursts or 'catnaps'. Otherwise the person's body clock can become very confused and this makes sleeping well during the night even harder.

What triggers dementia to get worse? Dementia is a progressive disease, so it will gradually get worse over time. However, external factors, such as a brain injury or sudden change in routine, can trigger a sudden worsening of dementia symptoms.

But dementia often progresses through three stages. The early stage is when someone experiences mild symptoms, such as confusion and misplacing items. They are still largely independent at this stage. The middle stage is when someone might need assistance to perform daily tasks, such as eating and bathing.

In the earlier stages, memory loss and confusion may be mild. The person with dementia may be aware of — and frustrated by — the changes taking place, such as difficulty recalling recent events, making decisions or processing what was said by others. In the later stages, memory loss becomes far more severe.

While it may not necessarily be illegal to leave a person with dementia alone, when cognitive function begins to decline or a loved one loses the ability to communicate, they may require 24-hour care, protection, and support.

People with dementia might need to move into a residential care home for various reasons, such as: their needs have increased as their dementia has progressed. their condition has deteriorated after a crisis, such as a hospital admission. their family or home carer is no longer able to support them.

Stage 4: Moderate cognitive decline

In this stage, a person sometimes becomes confused about where they are and what is happening. They may struggle to perform routine tasks as well as complex ones, and they will likely need help with household management tasks like paying bills or cooking.

Some common signs that a person with dementia can no longer live independently include: They are struggling with personal hygiene. Their home is beginning to get messy, dirty, or unhygienic. They are losing weight or struggling with food preparation.