Understanding Dementia: Stages, Symptoms & How Care Needs Change Over Time
There’s a saying amongst senior-focused healthcare providers: “If you’ve met one person with dementia, then you’ve met one person with dementia.”
Dementia affects everyone differently, and people with dementia are still unique individuals, first and foremost.
If someone you love develops dementia, you may feel at a loss for where to turn to get the information and resources you need to support them.
LSS Senior Living will offer you the guidance and insight you need to understand dementia. In this article, we’ll explore dementia care, dementia stages and the signs of dementia.
What are the signs of dementia?
Many people associate dementia with memory loss. This is a primary symptom of many types of dementia, but it’s not the only one.
Did you know there are multiple types of dementia? Each one has its own set of typical symptoms.
The primary dementia types are:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Lewy Body disease
- Vascular dementia
- Frontotemporal dementia
You’re most likely familiar with Alzheimer’s disease. It’s the most common type of dementia by far, accounting for almost two-thirds of cases. Today, more than six million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s dementia.
Memory loss is a key feature of Alzheimer’s disease. But memory loss alone doesn’t mean someone has dementia.
Dementia means two or more parts of the brain are experiencing changes that contribute to cognitive decline.
Other types of dementia impact reasoning, communication and judgment skills more than memory. This can make them more difficult to pinpoint.
Other signs of dementia include:
- Confusion
- Trouble communicating
- Reduced safety awareness, judgement and insight
- Wandering
- Falls and unsteadiness
- Depression or apathy
- Difficulties with reasoning and decision-making skills
- Mood swings and personality changes
- Slowed processing
- Disorientation
Dementia stages
Dementia is a progressive condition, meaning its symptoms increase over time.
The brain changes that lead to outward signs of dementia can take years to show up. Some seniors are first diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This condition involves mild dementia-like symptoms that don’t seriously affect their ability to live independently.
In some cases, MCI is a precursor to Alzheimer’s disease. In others, it resolves or doesn’t worsen over time.
Dementia is typically separated into three stages.
These stages aren’t intended to reduce your loved one to a label, but to help care providers understand the level of need they may have, based on how much their symptoms impact their daily life.
- A person with mild dementia may continue to drive and be independent. At times, they may be forgetful and have trouble with word finding. They may misplace items like their keys or face challenges with organizing their calendar or finances.
- Someone with moderate dementia has more noticeable symptoms and needs support in daily life. They may struggle to express themselves and need help with daily tasks. They may be unable to tell time or become easily confused. Their symptoms may grow worse in the afternoons and evenings, which is a common symptom known as sundowning.
- A person with severe dementia requires assistance with all daily activities. They may use few words and not recall details about their life. They may experience changes in walking, eating and swallowing. Seniors in this phase benefit from consistent care for safety and quality of life in a memory care or skilled nursing community setting.
Dementia care
When someone you love has dementia, it can feel like you’re alone on this journey.
But you’re not alone. Dementia affects more than 55 million people worldwide.
Your loved one with dementia can continue to live a full life with the right assistance and care. Senior living can offer the security and support they need to thrive. Recognizing dementia symptoms is the first step in getting them the care they need.
Don’t be afraid to seek guidance as you walk this path. LSS Senior Living is honored to help families like yours to proactively navigate the changes dementia brings.
Our senior living communities in Columbus and Ashland, Ohio include warm and welcoming assisted living community options, independent living with assisted living, personalized memory care and outstanding skilled nursing long-term care.
With us, your loved one will receive customized care and compassion to connect with their best quality of life. Our engaging activities and programs, delicious dining and considerate caregivers will ensure their daily needs are met and that they feel valued, safe and right at home.
Our continuum of care services means you can always access the level of senior lifestyle support your loved one with dementia deserves. We’re here for your peace of mind.
Wondering what’s the right care level for you? Download our free guide to learn more about senior living options.
