Identifying Stages Of Dementia

In working with families facing the need to place a loved one in assisted living, I have found that the majority of these potential residents have some degree of dementia.  What I find interesting is that so many family members inaccurately describe the symptoms and severity of the dementia.  This is understandable.  I, myself, was in situation of being my husband's primary caregiver and when he was placed into an assisted living community, they were amazed at how severe his dementia was.  For me, I had become so accustomed to the behaviors, I could not see it for myself.  While it is always recommended to consult with your loved one's physician for a formal diagnosis, here is a brief list of symptoms you can use to identify what level of dementia your loved one may be at.   ~ Becky Feola

Early Dementia

• Recent memory loss begins to affect normal function
• Confusion
• Loss of spontaneity, spark, or zest for life; depression may be present
• Loss of initiative; can’t start anything
• Mood/personality changes; anxiousness about symptoms, keeps to oneself
• Poor judgment; bad decision making
• Takes longer with routine chores
• Trouble handling money/paying bills

Moderate Dementia

• Increasing memory loss and confusion, shorter attention span
• Problems recognizing close friends/family
• Repetitive statement/movements
• Restlessness, especially in late afternoon or night (“sun downing”)
• Occasional muscle twitches or jerking
• Perceptual-motor problems
• Problems organizing thoughts or thinking logically
• Can’t find right words; makes up stories to fill in the blanks
• Problems with reading, writing, and numbers
• May be suspicious, irritable, fidgety, teary, or silly
• Loss of impulse control; won’t bathe, trouble dressing, wears 2-3 layers of clothing

Severe Dementia

• Can’t recognize family or self
• Loses weight even with proper diet
• Little capacity for self-care
• Can’t communicate verbally
• May put everything in mouth or touch everything
• Can’t control bowel or bladder
• May have difficulty with seizures, swallowing, skin breakdown, infections

Becky Feola

Founder and Assisted Living Counselor

Assisted Living Advantage

(480) 419-4202

www.assistedlivingadvantage.com