Identifying the 5 Stages of Dementia

Stage 1: Normal Aging 

The first stage of dementia is often the most challenging to detect, because it resembles normal aging. During this phase, individuals may experience subtle changes in memory and cognitive function, such as forgetting recently-learned information. Oftentimes, this early memory loss symptom is often dismissed as typical age-related forgetfulness. Individuals may occasionally forget names or appointments, but can still perform everyday tasks independently.

Common symptoms: Poor judgment, personality changes

Stage 2: Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) 

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is considered an intermediate stage between normal aging and dementia. In this stage, individuals begin to experience more noticeable cognitive deficits, such as forgetting recent conversations or losing their way in familiar places. These changes, although concerning, do not yet significantly impair their ability to carry out daily activities.

Common symptoms: Memory loss

Stage 3: Mild Dementia (Early Stage) 

As dementia progresses, individuals enter the early stage of mild dementia. Memory problems become more pronounced, affecting daily life. People may struggle to remember recent events, repeat themselves in conversation, and have difficulty with simple tasks like managing finances or following recipes. In this stage, individuals are often aware of their cognitive decline and may become frustrated or anxious about their forgetfulness.

Stage 4: Moderate Dementia (Middle Stage) 

The middle stage of dementia is characterized by significant cognitive decline and functional impairments. Individuals at this stage may forget important details like their address, phone number, or the current date. They might have trouble recognizing familiar faces, including those of close family members. Behavioral changes, such as agitation, aggression, or wandering, can also occur in this stage, making caregiving more challenging.

Common symptoms: Disorientation, agitation and aggression, inability to recognize familiar faces, wandering and getting lost

Stage 5: Severe Dementia (Late Stage) 

The late stage of dementia is marked by profound cognitive and physical decline. Individuals may lose the ability to communicate verbally and may require assistance with all activities of daily living, including eating, bathing, and dressing. Incontinence becomes common, and individuals may experience difficulty swallowing, leading to weight loss and nutritional problems. This stage is emotionally challenging for both the person with dementia and their caregivers, as the individual's personality and sense of self are often profoundly altered.

Common symptoms: Language difficulties, loss of coordination and motor skills, hallucinations and delusions