The Seven Stages of Dementia

This is the most common system for understanding the progression of Dementia into seven stages.

Stage 1 

No Impairment

Stage 2 

Very Mild Decline

This is the first stage of indicators of a decline. One may start forgetting things around this time.  For instance, this could be losing things in the house.  It is important to know that at this point, memory loss cannot be distinguished from normal age-related memory loss. The person can still do well on memory tests and the disease is unlikely to be detected by loved ones or physicians.

Stage 3

Mild Decline

At this stage, problems start becoming more evident to family members and friends. This can also be noted in memory tests and physicians will be able to notice impaired functioning as well.

During this stage, people may frequently lose personal possessions, including important items.

Stage 4

Moderate Decline

In stage four of Alzheimer’s, clear-cut symptoms of the disease are apparent. People with stage four of Alzheimer’s start experiencing serious impairments in functioning such as poor short-term memory, and gaps in long-term memory.

Stage 5

Moderately Severe Decline

During the fifth stage of Alzheimer’s, day to day activities become difficult. During this stage, people will have a hard time getting dressing appropriately and recalling simple details about themselves.

Although day to day activities become more difficult,  people in stage five can still maintain functionality for using the bathroom and eating.

Stage 6

Severe Decline

The sixth stage of Alzheimer’s requires people to have constant supervision. This is because, during this stage, people experience confusion or unawareness of environment and surroundings, inability to recognize faces except for the closest friends and relatives, loss of ability to remember most details of personal history, loss of bladder and bowel control, and wandering.

Stages 7

Very Severe Decline

This is the last stage.   In stage seven of the disease, people lose the ability to communicate or respond to their environment. While they may still be able to utter words and phrases, they have no insight into their condition and need assistance with all activities of daily living. In the final stages of Alzheimer’s, people may lose their ability to swallow.

The Takeaway