“How severe is this?”
The following is designed to help you know what to expect and assess the potential severity of dementia.
What are the stages of dementia?
Mild or early-stage dementia
In the early stage, it’s natural to want to help your loved one stay active and connected. It’s also normal to have questions like, “Are there lifestyle changes or treatments that may help?” or “Should they still be driving?” These are best discussed with the doctor or medical social worker.
You may find that your loved one’s memory works quite well, including stories from long ago or how to do things they are familiar with. They may be able to focus more on the present moment, have a sense of humor, and a growing ability to be creative.
Many people in this stage may:
Having trouble with time or sequence of events
Forget names of familiar people and things
Have decreased performance in work or social situations
Have trouble multi-tasking
Take more time to process information
Write reminders and lose them
Have mild mood or personality changes
Feel sorrow, suspicion, anger, or frustration
Have trouble driving safely
You can help by advocating for the correct diagnosis and the best care. It’s important to learn all you can and embrace the good days while preparing yourself for the ones that might be a bit rough. You can also put safety measures in place by making physical changes around the house, and ensuring legal paperwork is in order.
You may find that your loved one’s memory works quite well, including stories from long ago or how to do things they are familiar with. They may be able to focus more on the present moment, have a sense of humor, and a growing ability to be creative.
Many people in this stage may:
Moderate or mid-stage dementia
This stage may take you into unfamiliar territory, as you’re likely not to be used to being responsible for your loved one’s actions. They’ll have an increased need for supervision and knowing what to expect can make providing support less stressful.
Your loved one may:
Have more trouble with memory, like recalling their address or history
Have problems organizing, planning, following instructions, and solving problems
Not recognize familiar people
Forget how to initiate routine tasks or how to complete them, including health and hygiene care
Have abilities that vary from one day to the next
Complain of neglect or blame others when things go wrong
Have delusions, false beliefs, or hallucinations
Have more problems with balance
They can also develop behaviors, including:
Trouble sleeping
Apathy
Passivity
Irritability
Clinging
Repetitive questions
Wandering
You’ll likely look for ways to make your loved one’s life more enjoyable. Establishing routines, being gracious with their moods, and getting support for yourself will positively impact their quality of life and yours.
Your loved one may:
Severe or late-stage dementia
With late-stage dementia, quality of life is key. Your loved one will likely be completely dependent on personal caregivers. It’s also an important time to find activities you can enjoy together. Play music, smell flowers, spend time outdoors, share photos and videos, and encourage others to visit often.
Your self-care becomes even more important. You’ll want to prepare yourself for symptoms that can include:
Not recognizing you or others by name
Have increasing difficulty communicating or being speechless
Be frequently or completely incontinent
Experience changes in physical abilities, including the ability to walk, sit, and swallow
Have rigidity, immobility, jerks, or seizures
Feeling deep emotions
Being vulnerable to infections like pneumonia
You have a variety of options to consider for support. In-home or residential care, counseling for yourself, and you’ll want to understand the benefits of palliative or hospice care.
Your self-care becomes even more important. You’ll want to prepare yourself for symptoms that can include:
How to care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s
Use an emotional approach (not logical) to engage an Alzheimer’s patient. It can make it easier to diffuse or prevent tough situations — and engage the patient in productive behavior. Dementia mainly impacts the top portion of the brain, the part of the brain involved in logic. The emotional brain is normal. So, while you might be inclined to rely on logic, the best approach is often to sit down next to them, touch them, and tell them why you’re worried.
Change your communication style:
Change your communication style:
- Validate by using visual cues
- Resist the urge to tell them what they should do and instead demonstrate the task
- Keep your body in a supportive stance, and speak in a caring tone, to minimize the likelihood that the person will feel threatened or put on the spot
- Allow space for verbal discomfort without reacting to harsher comments and be willing to offer a genuine apology if they feel upset
Simple ways to provide support through the stages of dementia
Over time, you can expect that a loved one with dementia may struggle to organize their words, lose their train of thought, or speak less. To continue being supportive, you can:
- Be present: Let your loved one know you’re listening and trying to understand. Keep your voice gentle. Hold the person’s hand while you talk.
- Show respect: Offer your loved one undivided attention, don’t multi-task. Include your loved one in conversations, don’t talk about them as if they aren’t there.
- Position yourself: Be close enough to be heard and seen clearly. Sit or stand at the same level, rather than over them.
- Keep it simple: Use short sentences. Ask one question or offer one instruction at a time. It helps to use positive statements.
- Focus on feelings: Listen for the meaning behind the words. Their tone or body language may provide clues. Respond to the emotions.
- Watch your tone and manner: Use friendly facial expressions and non-verbal communication that conveys calm. People with dementia responds to others’ moods.
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