Dementia: Understanding The 7 Stages Of This Neurodegenerative Disorder

Dementia describes a group of symptoms that affect memory, thinking and social abilities. This condition worsens with time. The symptoms of dementia affect day to day activities of the patient. This condition occurs due to physical changes in the brain. According to WHO, dementia is one of the major causes of disability and dependency among older people worldwide. There is often a lack of awareness and understanding of dementia, resulting in stigmatization and barriers to diagnosis and care. The impact of dementia on carers, family and society at large can be physical, psychological, social and economic. Worldwide around 50 million people have dementia. Every year, there are nearly 10 million new cases. The estimated proportion of the general population aged 60 and over with dementia at a given time is between 5-8%. The total number of people with dementia is projected to reach 82 million in 2030 and 152 in 2050.

Stages of dementia

Doctors conduct a series of tests to diagnose this condition. Someone suffering from dementia goes through different stages. The severity of the symptoms are divided into 7 stages. But in some cases, these may vary depending on the area affected by the condition. Here are the 7 stages of dementia you need to know-

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Stage 1: No Cognitive Decline

At this stage, the patient will not show any symptom. There is no impairment and the mental function remains normal.

It can be hard to spot the symptoms at this stage but tests may reveal the problem.

Stage 2: Mild Decline

This stage involves very mild symptoms which are usually mistaken to be normal or as an effect of ageing. For example- forgetting names of places, placement of objects or forgetting phrases. These symptoms are not evident to their loved ones.

Also read: Irregular Heart Rate, Carotid Disease May Up Dementia Risk

Stage 3: Mild Cognitive Decline

At this stage, the symptoms worsen. You may notice changes in thinking and reasoning abilities. Symptoms at this stage become quite noticeable. A person may find difficulty in concentrating and finding the right words. At this time it may cause difficulty in recalling recent events.

Dementia can cause difficulty in walking at later stages
Photo Credit: iStock

Stage 4: Moderate Cognitive Decline

At this stage, someone with dementia may face difficulty in handling money and travelling to places. Making plans also becomes a difficult task.

Stage 5: Moderately severe decline

At this stage, the patient requires assistance to complete day to day tasks. He/she may forget minor details like phone numbers, address or names of children/ grandchildren.

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Stage 6: Severe Cognitive Decline (Middle Dementia)

This stage causes symptoms like forgetting names of spouses or major evens of life, difficulty in speaking, changes in personality or emotions or anxiety. A person may require assistance in day to day tasks like going to the restroom or while eating.

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Stage 7: Very Severe Cognitive Decline (Late Dementia)

At this stage, someone with dementia spends most of the time in bed and cannot walk. He/she is not able to speak thoughts.

Early diagnosis helps an individual get access to timely treatment.

Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.