[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/foxtrailmemorycare.com\/blog\/what-are-the-stages-of-dementia\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/foxtrailmemorycare.com\/blog\/what-are-the-stages-of-dementia\/","headline":"What Are the Stages of dementia?","name":"What Are the Stages of dementia?","description":"dementia is a general term for a group of complex diseases that affect memory, thinking, and behavior. Alzheimer\u2019s disease is […]","datePublished":"2022-08-03","dateModified":"2024-07-12","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/foxtrailmemorycare.com\/blog\/author\/ceastway\/#Person","name":"Developer","url":"https:\/\/foxtrailmemorycare.com\/blog\/author\/ceastway\/","identifier":1,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8ea7fc410413ee0b715aee4c6b2d912c09623af5f85eaca6f6d7e0a2c223e1df?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8ea7fc410413ee0b715aee4c6b2d912c09623af5f85eaca6f6d7e0a2c223e1df?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Fox Trail Memory Care","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"http:\/\/foxtrailmemorycare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/logo.png","url":"http:\/\/foxtrailmemorycare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/logo.png","width":474,"height":250}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/foxtrailmemorycare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/what-are-the-stages-of-dementia-supporting-1.jpg","url":"https:\/\/foxtrailmemorycare.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/what-are-the-stages-of-dementia-supporting-1.jpg","height":591,"width":900},"url":"https:\/\/foxtrailmemorycare.com\/blog\/what-are-the-stages-of-dementia\/","about":["dementia"],"wordCount":737,"articleBody":"dementia is a general term for a group of complex diseases that affect memory, thinking, and behavior. Alzheimer\u2019s disease is the most common form of dementia and affects older adults.dementia begins with mild changes in mental function and slowly worsens to severe impairments in cognition. If you have a loved one with dementia, knowing these changes can help you plan for their care.For example, memory care communities support individuals with dementia. We take a closer look at the different stages of dementia to understand the progression and what to expect.About dementiadementia is more common with age, one-third of people over 85 may have some form of dementia, but it\u2019s not a normal part of aging.There are different types of dementia, many causes of cognitive function, and varying symptoms depending on the type and stage.Risk factors for dementia include the following:Age: Affecting people 65 and older.Family history of dementia: Parents or siblings with dementiaMedical conditions: Diabetes, Down syndrome, multiple sclerosis, heart disease, and sleep apnea.Lifestyle factors: Smoking, heavy alcohol use, poor diet, lack of exercise, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol if not treated.Brain injury: Severe or repeated head injuries.Infection of the brain: Meningitis and syphilisRace: African Americans and Hispanics have higher rates of dementia.DepressionStrokeStages of dementiadementias are progressive diseases, and changes in functional ability continue to occur. Three stages of dementia include early or mild, middle or moderate, and late or severe. Early onset\/mild cognitive impairment refers to Alzheimer\u2019s disease diagnosed at a younger age.Early or Mild Stage of dementiaIn early or mild dementia, people aren\u2019t always aware they have the disease. However, some people may notice slight changes that something is wrong with their thinking but can still function independently with little help.Changes can include memory lapses and forgetting things that can affect daily life. Signs and symptoms of early or mild stage dementia include:Forgetfulness and memory loss of recent eventsGetting lost and misplacing thingsA shift in personality and mood, such as depression and withdrawingDifficulty with complex tasks such as managing financesDifficulty with learning new thingsDifficulty following conversations and expressing thoughtsDifficulty concentrating or limited attention spanMiddle or Moderate Stage of dementiaIn the middle or moderate stage of dementia, people need more help with everyday activities and self-care as memory and thinking ability continue to deteriorate. At this stage, more people are aware of the condition.Signs and symptoms of middle\/moderate stage dementia include:Memory loss of the pastUnable to carry out activities of daily livingConfusionPoor judgmentPersonality and behavior changes such as agitation, mood swingsRepeating questionsChanges in sleep patternsAt this stage, making life easier for a loved one with dementia can include speaking to their doctor about care, treatment options, and support services.Late or Severe Stage of dementiaIn late or severe dementia, the disease progresses to a point where it affects functioning and physical capabilities. Care needs are high and may require continued support 24 hours\/day to ensure the highest quality of life.Signs and symptoms of late or severe stage dementia include:Severe memory impairment where one cannot remember family and friends.Inability to communicate verbally with unrecognized speechFunctional impairment such as incontinence and inability to eat and walk, leading to malnutrition, weakness with loss of muscle control, and susceptibility to pneumonia.DisorientationDiagnosing dementia and Stages of dementiaThere is no cure for dementia, but an early diagnosis can help families plan for the future and consider different care options. Doctors can address family history and underlying conditions related to cognitive decline with treatment.Other methods and tests used to diagnose dementia include:Cognitive and neurological testsBrain scansPsychiatirc evaluationGenetic testsBlood testsSupport for All Stages of dementiadementia can be a very progressive disease, and symptoms can worsen quickly. dementia can progress from having little to no impact on quality of life to severely impacting the quality of life.It\u2019s vital for individuals with dementia, regardless of cognitive function, to have engagement, meaningful experiences, and live with dignity. Fox Trail Memory Care offers a community environment with a wide selection of services and activities to provide a personalized approach to all residents.Contact us to request a visit to learn more about our memory care living options."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/foxtrailmemorycare.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"What Are the Stages of dementia?","item":"https:\/\/foxtrailmemorycare.com\/blog\/what-are-the-stages-of-dementia\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]