Stages of Dementia in Elderly

The literal meaning of the word dementia is 'deprived of mind'. Medically, the term 'dementia' is used to refer to a severe loss of cognitive ability. It is basically a progressive and degenerative disorder of the brain.

It is a non-specific syndrome that can adversely affect memory, cognitive functions, reasoning, and language, which can eventually progress to a state where the affected individual loses the ability to perform his or her day-to-day activities.

The elderly people, especially those older than 65 years are more likely to suffer from this condition. There are several types of dementia. The early symptoms of this condition, such as forgetfulness or loss of memory can be confused with normal aging, and so, such symptoms may go unnoticed.

However, the symptoms of dementia gradually worsen and become severe. The progression of the disease is classified into three main stages, on the basis of the general pattern the disease has been observed to follow, though all the symptoms may not be experienced by all individuals.

Dementia is basically classified into three stages - the early stage, moderate stage, and the severe or advanced stage. The progression of the disease may take several months to years. In the early stage, the symptoms of dementia in the elderly are quite difficult to recognize, as such symptoms can be produced by many other conditions.

The symptoms of dementia in seniors become more distinct and apparent in the moderate stage. When the disease progresses to the advanced stage, the symptoms become quite severe, and so, the affected individuals usually fail to perform even the basic tasks.

This stage is more commonly mistaken for the normal aging process, as the symptoms associated with this stage are not very specific.

The most common symptoms that can be observed in this stage are, absentmindedness, forgetfulness, apathy or a loss of interest in taking initiative in various activities, confusion and memory loss, disorientation, change in personality, sudden mood swings, irritability, and diminished judgment.

Dementia can be easily identified in the moderate stage, as the symptoms become more apparent and identifiable. This stage is characterized by a decline in cognitive abilities or functions.

The most important symptoms of this stage are, confusion regarding time and places, inability to recall even the recent events, difficulty in recognizing the family members and close friends, difficulty in doing simple activities like eating, bathing, or grooming oneself, increased irritability, anxiety, agitation, and frustration.

In this stage, one can also experience visual and auditory hallucinations.

This is the stage, where the severe symptoms of dementia manifest. So, the patient has to be taken care of all the time. The affected individual usually loses language and communication skills, and the ability to respond to people and the environment.

This stage is characterized by significant loss of memory, and a failure to recognize family members or friends, and even the objects that we use daily.

Other symptoms that can be experienced in this stage are, incontinence, uncontrollable movements, restlessness, insomnia, difficulty in walking, and the failure to eat, wash, dress, and use the toilette without someone's help. So, the patients need constant care and supervision.

This is reason why, they are often placed in a nursing home or in a living complex that provides dementia-related services.

The progression of the disease can vary among different individuals. Dementia can be associated with several diseases or conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease, strokes, traumatic brain injury, neurodegenerative diseases, vascular dementia, Huntington's disease, Dementia with Lewy Bodies, and Frontotemporal lobar degeneration.

Some types of dementia can be reversed with early treatment. But in majority of the cases, treatment is aimed towards managing the symptoms, slowing down the progression of the disease, or improving the quality of life. Physicians usually suggest engaging the elderly in activities, which can keep their mind sharp and active.

Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only, and should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice.