The 7 stages of dementia are:
1) No Cognitive Decline – normal behaviour;
2) Very Mild Cognitive Decline – forgetfulness, age-associated memory impairment;
3) Mild Cognitive Decline – difficulty concentrating, early signs;
4) Moderate Cognitive Decline – mild dementia, communication issues;
5) Moderately Severe Decline – moderate dementia, significant impact on daily life;
6) Severe Decline – personality changes, constant assistance need;
7) Very Severe Cognitive Decline – late-stage dementia, around-the-clock care required.

This guide aims to provide a helpful breakdown of each stage, offering insight into what to expect and advice on how you can respond. As with all such guides, it’s essential to remember that each person’s journey through dementia is unique; their experiences and progression aren’t strictly tied to these or any stages.

Managing Dementia

Read Now

Stage One: No Cognitive Decline

During this first stage, there’s no noticeably unusual behaviour. An individual would appear to function as expected, maintaining regular cognitive abilities with no memory problems. This stage is essentially the ‘typical’ functioning level without any perceivable detriment to cognitive health.

Stage Two: Very Mild Cognitive Decline

This stage presents itself as standard forgetfulness or age-associated memory impairment. It may involve frequently losing things or forgetting basic information, such as names and appointments. It can often be hard to distinguish between regular age-related memory loss or dementia at this stage. This PrimeCarers blog gives an in-depth insight into the different types of dementia, symptoms and treatments available.

Stage Three: Mild Cognitive Decline

In this stage, individuals begin having difficulty concentrating, showing reduced work performance, and may even get lost travelling to familiar places. While these may be considered the early signs of dementia, diagnosis at this point can still be difficult. Supportive measures, such as Dementia Assistance Cards, can be beneficial in this phase.

Stage Four: Moderate Cognitive Decline

Here, mild dementia typically starts to manifest. Symptoms include difficulty managing personal finances, memory loss regarding significant events, and experiencing trouble with complex tasks. Changes in personality or emotional behaviours may also be visible. As the risk of withdrawal increases, Dementia Cafes can be a great space for social interaction and support.

Stage Five: Moderately Severe Decline

At this stage, dementia advances to a moderate level. Individuals will experience significant difficulty with daily life tasks like dressing, cooking or personal hygiene. Short-term memory will also be significantly affected. Families can help by engaging loved ones in activities beneficial for dementia patients, which can help manage symptoms to some degree.

Stage Six: Severe Decline

Personality changes become more evident in the sixth stage. Individuals may exhibit behavioural issues, paranoia, anxiety, or even hallucinations. The need for assistance becomes more constant. Figuring out how to make someone with dementia happy becomes essential for maintaining their quality of life.

Stage Seven: Very Severe Cognitive Decline

This is regarded as the final stage of dementia. Individuals will need around-the-clock care by now, as they may lose their ability to communicate, walk, sit, or even swallow. By this stage, the signs that dementia has worsened are quite evident, and the question of when a dementia patient should go into care arises.

Conclusion

While this guide can be beneficial to understanding dementia’s progression, remember that everyone’s experience differs. Some people may skip stages entirely, while others may exhibit symptoms from several stages simultaneously. As the way forward with dementia is rarely linear, families and loved ones must work closely with healthcare professionals to provide the best care possible.

At PrimeCarers, we’re here to help navigate this journey, providing access to resources, professional advice and experienced caregivers that could help manage your loved one’s dementia more effectively.