The Distinct Phases of Dementia: An Overview
Dementia is a clinically used term that encompasses all disorders involving progressive cognitive decline in individuals. This condition affects memory, thinking, and social abilities, and is not a part of normal ageing. Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia are diseases that come under the umbrella term "Dementia".
Early or Mild Stage
In the early or mild stage, symptoms include minor memory lapses, especially recent memory loss, such as forgetting recent events or newly learned information. Repeating questions or stories, word-finding difficulties, and mixing up words are also common. Slight difficulties with planning, making decisions, or multitasking may be observed. Mood changes, such as subtle changes in motivation or social withdrawal, may also occur. Most people remain able to function independently at this stage.
Middle or Moderate Stage
In the middle or moderate stage, symptoms become more pronounced and begin to significantly affect daily life. Increased memory loss, including forgetting familiar people and places, is common. Greater confusion and disorientation are also experienced. Difficulty dressing, bathing, or managing personal hygiene becomes apparent, as does a worsening of communication problems, with slower understanding and more trouble finding words. Mood changes, such as agitation, anxiety, aggression, or depression, and behavioral issues like restlessness or wandering may also occur. Need for more daily support and supervision is necessary at this stage.
Late or Severe Stage
In the late or severe stage, symptoms are profound, with severe cognitive and physical impairments. Loss of ability to communicate or recognize loved ones, complete dependence on caregivers for daily activities, and loss of motor skills; inability to walk or control bodily functions, are common. Problems with swallowing and seizures may occur, and constant supervision is necessary, often requiring professional care in an aged care facility.
It's important to note that the stages of Dementia can be categorized as Early (mild), Middle (moderate), and Last (severe), but this article has dissected them further for more accurate recognition of patterns.
In stage 4, the disease begins to grow and spread rapidly. This stage can last up to 2-8 years. In stage 4, a family member must take over the responsibility for the well-being of the Dementia patient. In stage 5, a Dementia patient may exhibit socially unacceptable behavior, forget recently occurred events such as weddings, birthday parties, office outings, etc., and may require a professional caregiver if it is affordable. In stage 6, the patient becomes fully dependent on the caregiver, and is vulnerable to life-threatening diseases such as pneumonia and other infectious diseases.
If you suspect Dementia in a family member, it's crucial to consult a geriatric psychiatrist, neuropsychologist, or geriatrician. Avoid self-diagnosis or adopting treatment methods based on symptoms exhibited by a family member. Cognitive impairment is diagnosed through a thorough evaluation of a patient's medical history, laboratory tests, physical examination, and psychiatric evaluation by respective medical professionals.
[1] Alzheimer's Society. (2021). Stages of dementia. [online] Available at: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/stages-and-progression-of-the-condition
[2] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Dementia. [online] Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dementia/symptoms-causes/syc-20350254
[3] National Institute on Aging. (2021). Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. [online] Available at: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-disease-and-related-dementias
[4] NHS. (2021). Dementia. [online] Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia/
[5] World Health Organization. (2021). Dementia. [online] Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dementia
In the realm of science and medical-conditions, Dementia is a broad term that includes Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia, among other neurological disorders that cause progressive cognitive decline. This condition severely impacts an individual's memory, thinking, and social abilities, often resulting in mental-health issues. Early stage symptoms may include minor memory lapses, word-finding difficulties, and slight planning difficulties. As the disease progresses into the middle or moderate stage, increased memory loss, confusion, disorientation, and mood changes become more pronounced, affecting one's daily life and requiring more support and supervision. In the late or severe stage, profound cognitive and physical impairments occur, necessitating professional care and constant supervision due to the patient's vulnerability to life-threatening diseases. For accurate diagnosis and management, it is crucial to consult medical professionals specializing in geriatric psychiatry, neuropsychology, or geriatrics, rather than self-diagnosing or adopting treatment methods based on symptoms.
