As dementia progresses, it can be difficult and heartbreaking for a senior and their family. Since the disease attacks parts of the brain, symptoms will only get worse over time. However, it’s important to understand how the disease progresses in order to provide the best care possible.
Dementia progresses in 3 stages, each marked by distinctive complexities, signs, and symptoms. Learn more about each dementia stages and read stories of individuals suffering with different types of dementia. As you learn more, remember that dementia progression and symptoms vary from person to person.
Check out the graphic and read more about each stage of dementia below.
Early Stage
The early stage of dementia is often marked by noticeable changes such as fatigue, mood swings, frustration, and confusion. Seniors may get lost more frequently, struggle to recall daily tasks, or misplace personal items like their glasses or wallets. Personality changes can also emerge during this phase. Typically, this first stage of dementia lasts 3 to 4 years.
During this time, seniors may be fully aware of the changes happening in their minds. They might recognize their symptoms and attempt to mask or compensate for them. This stage can be emotionally challenging as they grapple with their diminishing abilities.
Despite these difficulties, many seniors in this stage still maintain independence, continuing to socialize, work, or drive. Unfortunately, the early signs of dementia are often mistaken for normal aging or stress, delaying recognition and diagnosis.
To better understand how the early stage manifests in different forms of dementia, let’s explore the stories of Gina, Nate, Lucy, and Bob.
Gina – Alzheimer’s Disease
Gina has started noticing subtle changes that seem out of the ordinary. Last week, she drove to her office on a Saturday, only to realize she couldn’t remember why she was going there in the first place.
She’s also finding it harder to recall names and has been misplacing her keys more often. Initially, she chalked these moments up to normal aging. However, the confusion she felt after her unexpected trip to the office has left her feeling concerned.
Nate – Vascular Dementia
Nate, a dedicated teacher, has always prided himself on his efficiency and passion for his work. Lately, however, he’s been feeling unusually sluggish and frustrated. Tasks that once took him an hour, like crafting a lesson plan, now drag on for hours as he struggles to stay focused.
Even during his lectures, his thoughts seem to wander or reset, leaving him feeling scattered and disconnected. These changes have sparked feelings of anxiety and depression. Nate is beginning to worry whether he can continue doing the job he loves so much.
Lucy – Dementia with Lewy Bodies
Lucy’s husband has grown increasingly concerned about her recent behavior. Last month, after returning from one of her long bike rides, she seemed confused and couldn’t recall where she had been. A few hours later, her clarity returned, and she became visibly upset about her memory lapse.
In addition to these episodes, Lucy has started talking in her sleep—a behavior her husband hadn’t noticed before. Mornings have also become a challenge, as it now takes her longer to fully wake up and get going. These subtle but noticeable changes have left her husband worried about what might be happening to her.
Bob – Frontotemporal Dementia
At just 55 years old, Bob’s memory seems unaffected, but his behavior has taken an unexpected turn. Once a caring and attentive husband, Bob’s recent actions have left his wife feeling hurt and confused. He’s been acting uncharacteristically selfish and apathetic, a stark contrast to his usual sensitive nature.
Earlier this week, at a dinner party they hosted, Bob made an inappropriate and insulting comment to one of his wife’s friends, leaving everyone uncomfortable. What troubles his wife the most is that Bob doesn’t seem to recognize how out of character his behavior has become.
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Middle Stage
The moderate stage of dementia is often the longest, typically lasting 2 to 4 years. By this stage, the symptoms of dementia become more pronounced and undeniably visible.
During the middle stage, seniors often face significant challenges. They may lose the ability to perform complex tasks, experience emotional instability, and withdraw from social interactions. Depression and mood swings are common, and in some cases, seniors may become physically aggressive or agitated. Behaviors like refusing to bathe or wandering away from home can also emerge, adding to the caregiving challenges.
Despite these difficulties, many seniors in this stage can still recognize loved ones and engage in meaningful conversations, especially when recalling long-term memories. This mix of abilities and impairments makes the moderate stage a deeply emotional and complex time for seniors and their families.
Gina – Alzheimer’s Disease
Gina is experiencing a progressive decline in her cognitive abilities. Her husband is increasingly concerned for her safety. Recent incidents include leaving the stove unattended, calling him by her father’s name, and experiencing periods of significant confusion.
Despite her retirement, Gina insists on returning to work, waking up early each morning. Daily activities like dressing and showering have become increasingly challenging, requiring her husband’s assistance.
Nate – Vascular Dementia
Nate had to stop teaching because of the progression of his dementia. While he is known for being cheerful, he has become agitated and irritable during the past weeks. He has gotten more and more confused.
The other day, he forgot the name of a neighbor who moved in several months ago. Memory lapses embarrass Nate, so he has been withdrawing from social interactions. He decided to move in with his daughter, who has become increasingly concerned about Nate’s ability to live alone.
Lucy – Dementia with Lewy Bodies
Lucy fluctuates between periods of alertness and confusion, which is difficult for her husband. Yesterday, she pointed outside and claimed there was a dog in the backyard. When her husband looked, there was nothing there. Lucy insisted that there was a dog and described it in great detail.
She has started to shuffle and move more slowly. She’s also started to trip over ledges at home. Her husband is struggling to know how to help her.
Bob – Frontotemporal Dementia
Bob has continued to act unusually. He has also started to exhibit compulsive behaviors. For example, he wipes down the countertops frequently although Mary insists that they are clean. He started eating a lot more than usual and has put on a bit of weight.
Bob has become forgetful and even forgot that their daughter was coming to visit last week. He has trouble following long conversations and has stopped doing his daily crossword puzzles.
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Late Stage
In the final stage of dementia, individuals may experience significant challenges. Communication can become increasingly difficult, with some losing the ability to speak or understand language. Recognizing loved ones may also be challenging, and they may struggle with bodily functions and recall of memories. This stage typically lasts a year.
This stage necessitates constant care and support. The risk of falls and illness increases significantly. Difficulty swallowing can arise, increasing the risk of aspiration pneumonia. These challenges underscore the importance of specialized care and support for individuals in the late stages of dementia.
Gina – Alzheimer’s Disease
Gina is now thin and frail. She doesn’t recognize her husband or her children sometimes. She can no longer walk and relies on a wheelchair. She also has difficulty eating and has lost control of her bowels and her bladder. Gina can still speak, but she has limited vocabulary and comprehension.
Nate – Vascular Dementia
Nate can’t walk or eat anymore without assistance. In fact, he needs assistance with most tasks of daily living because he is physically weak. He is usually confused and disoriented. He has trouble communicating his thoughts to those around him, which causes him to be agitated.
Lucy – Dementia with Lewy Bodies
Lucy is now constantly confused and lacks awareness most of the time. She has frequent hallucinations and has become extremely restless. She is not steady on her feet and is prone to falling at home.
Bob – Frontotemporal Dementia
Bob has become detached and his memory has started to decline. He also has difficulty communicating. He has gotten weaker over the past few months and has difficulty walking now, but he resists assistance from anyone else.
Final Thoughts: Improving Quality of Life for Seniors with Dementia
The journey of dementia is unique to each individual. Some may progress through these stages rapidly, while others may experience a slower decline. There’s no single path because the progression is influenced by the specific type of dementia and the individual’s unique circumstances.
If your loved one is living with dementia, remember you’re not alone. Our team of compassionate dementia caregivers can provide invaluable support. We can assist with daily living activities, offer respite for families, and create a safe and nurturing environment for your loved one. Reach out to your local Caring team today.
