Stages - ReaDementia

Is Dementia Progressive? Unlocking the Truth

Trevor Howitt Blog, Stages February 1, 2024dementia progression, stages of dementia

Is dementia progressive? The short answer is ‘yes’. All types of dementia are progressive.

The signs and symptoms may be mild at first, but they do worsen over time.

Each person with dementia is unique so the speed in which their dementia progresses will vary to those of other people and their experiences as the disease progresses will be very individual too.

At present, dementia is always progressive, but scientists the world over are currently searching for ways to prevent the disease and to slow its progression.

The solutions to both of these are urgent as the number of people with dementia steadily rises.

‘Life expectancy with dementia is increasing year on year as scientists and doctors find better ways to manage the disease. However, because of the nature of its progression dementia is known as a ‘life limiting’ illness’. Source

Why is dementia progressive? In this article we explain why, and we offer suggestions on how to help slow the progression of the disease.

What causes dementia?

‘Dementia’ is an umbrella term used to describe a variety of medical conditions that affect the brain including Alzheimer’s, vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy Bodies and Frontotemporal dementia.

When a person is in the early stages of dementia only a small part of their brain is damaged, and they may have only a few minor symptoms. As the disease spreads to more parts of the brain, it is unable to work as well and the areas that have already been damaged become worse.

The patient’s early symptoms may get worse and new symptoms appear affecting not only their cognitive ability and memory, but also speech, behavior and mobility.

How is the progression of dementia measured?

Many doctors refer to three stages of dementia – early, middle and late or mild, moderate and severe. Those specializing in dementia have divided the progression of the disease into seven different stages to help the loved ones of the dementia patient to understand how the dementia will progress.

These seven stages are important to understand, especially as the dementia patient has no control over them.

Because each person is unique, how the dementia progresses and how quickly it does, will vary. It is also important to be aware of the first signs of dementia so that action can be taken early on to get the condition diagnosed.

The 7 progressive stages of dementia

1. Normal behavior

In the earliest stages of the disease, many people have no symptoms even though there are changes taking place in their brain. It may well be several years before they display signs and symptoms of the disease.

2. Becoming forgetful

Whilst many older people occasional forget diary dates or where they have left their reading glasses, when a person has dementia, they will begin to forget things very easily and regularly lose things in their home.

At this stage, many people believe this is still just a sign of getting older and is an age-related problem.

3. A noticeable mild cognitive decline

This stage of the disease can often last 5-7 times and during this time the first signs that things may not be alright begin to appear.

The person’s memory loss seems more than age-related deterioration and they seem to be frequently forgetting many things – even important appointments on the calendar.

4. Moderate and very noticeable cognitive decline

It is at this stage that most people with dementia are diagnosed. The signs and symptoms by now are apparent to both family members and friends.

The person with dementia may have problem remembering to eat meals or to pay bills on time and everyday life is becoming challenging.

5. Moderately severe cognitive decline.

As the disease progresses and your loved one reaches this stage it is viewed as the beginning of the later stage of dementia.

Your loved one can probably no longer wash or dress themselves easily.

They will struggle to remember things like their telephone number but will remember events from their childhood very clearly.

They will still recognize family members and friends at this stage, which usually lasts 1.5 – 2 years.

6. Severe cognitive decline

This is the beginning of the final stages of dementia and your loved one will require round-the-clock attention.

They will definitely need help washing and getting dressed but could be incontinent too.

They will get easily disorientated and can suffer from mood swings becoming angry and aggressive which is extremely hard to deal with.

Dementia patients at this stage can still usually recognise their loved ones.

This stage lasts on average 2- 2.5 years. Many dementia patients pass away during this stage – usually because of other health problems.

7. Very severe cognitive decline

By this stage, the dementia patient is having problems speaking and expressing their thoughts.

They need constant assistance throughout the day especially with feeding and may well need support during the night if they cannot sleep or start to wander.

Many dementia patients at this stage are being supported by professional carers.

A free booklet about the seven stages of dementia and how you can support your loved one at each stage can be downloaded using the above link.

Are there ways to halt the progression of dementia?

Medications can be used to temporarily improve the symptoms of dementia.
Adapt your home so that your loved one can remain as mobile and independent as possible for as long as possible.
Regular exercise including walking, swimming, cycling and gardening have all been proven to help dementia patients to keep their balance and mobility. If you prefer there are a variety of different exercises to do to maintain balance and flexibility.
Encourage activities such as dancing, painting and singing as these will help you loved one to stay engaged.
Establish a good daily routine as this will help your loved one to feel secure and less anxious. Have mealtimes at the same time each day and if you enjoy a walk together, make this at the same time each day too.
Increase your conversations with your loved one. This can be challenging but make your sentences short, direct and easy to understand. Encourage them to talk too but never argue or get cross if their memories are inaccurate – it is not their fault.
Make a calendar for your loved one to help them remember up and coming events. Complete a daily journal each evening to help them to recall what has happened during the day.

There are many other ways to keep your loved one engaged so that they enjoy the best quality of life.

These include music therapy, caring for a pet and aromatherapy as the senses of touch and smell are heightened as dementia progresses.

How to cope when you are caring for someone with progressive dementia.

Having a loved one with dementia takes its toll on everyone in the family, especially the main carer. If that is you, it is important you look after yourself too.

The first step is to learn as much as you can about dementia and its progression.

If you have questions, don’t be scared to ask them of your doctor, social workers and other healthcare professionals.

Find out what support services there are in your community and if there is a local support group.

Do these include respite care in case you become ill or exhausted? If there are not community services available, ask family members or friends for help to give you a regular break.

Take good care of yourself as well as your loved one – physically, mentally and emotionally.

Is dementia progressive? Final Thoughts

Dementia is indeed a progressive illness. It tends to worsen over time, increasingly impacting a person’s cognitive abilities, memory, behavior, and overall functioning.

The rate of progression varies among people, being dependent on the specific type of dementia they have.

Generally, with all types of dementia, the symptoms will become more severe as the disease advances. As dementia progresses, people may experience increasing difficulty with everyday tasks, speaking, and with memory.

It’s important for those with dementia, their caregivers and family, to understand why is dementia progressive and the progressive nature of the disease. Accordingly, they should seek appropriate support to help manage the effects at each stage of the disease.

6 Early Warning Signs of Dementia

Trevor Howitt Signs, Stages March 14, 2022March 14, 2022dementia, early warning signs, symptoms

Let’s talk about the 6 early warning signs of dementia.

Feeling tired, stressed, lethargic?

You would have all the symptoms of dementia, but do you really have dementia?

Tiredness and stress, may simply be due to late nights, low blood sugar, heavy work load, or any number of things. There are a number of signs that are not real dementia.

The worst thing you could do is give your spouse or partner the wrong diagnosis.

Another trap is the belief you have dementia, but not actually have it. You may have a well-meaning spouse who self-diagnoses you with dementia. He/she then gets into the habit of reminding you when you are forgetful and corrects you when you make a mistake. You then start to think and feel that you actually have early dementia.

It doesn’t mean you have dementia if these symptoms happen occasionally.

What is dementia?

A mental decline. When certain parts of your brain are shrinking, specifically a structure called the hippocampus.

6 Early Warning Signs of Dementia

1.Poor organization

People with early dementia may have problems with familiar everyday organization tasks. They may get confused with the order of things or with making plans.

2. Personality changes

Having unexpected mood swings where a person switches between emotions for no apparent reason may indicate an early sign of dementia. For no real reason, they may seem different from his/her usual self. They may become irritable, depressed, anxious, agitated, or apathetic.

3.Constipation

Our gut is like a second brain. There is a connection between our gut and our brain. The microbiome (bacteria) in our gut makes neurotransmitters. They also make more serotonin than our brain makes serotonin. Serotonin is a natural mood stabiliser that regulates wellbeing and happiness.

We have more nerve fibers in our digestive system than we do in our spinal column.

Many cognitive problems can stem from our gut. People who have Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease have much higher instance of constipation than someone who doesn’t have these diseases.

However, it is important to note that if you have constipation, it doesn’t mean you have dementia. It is just an early sign.

4.Sensory Dysfunction.

This could include issues with your smell, taste, hearing, eyesight and even your appetite. These could be early signs of cognitive decline. As sensory decline becomes more apparent, then the ability to focus, concentrate and overall memory is really what shows up to be a problem.

5.Language Problems

Struggling to find words for certain things, tending to repeat saying the same things over and over again, or mixing up words are all early indicators of dementia.

For example, a person may be able to talk and make sentences, but is incoherent. What they are saying does not make sense. Words come out randomly and all over the place. This can be extremely frustrating for the person trying to communicate. Language problems are a result of a shrinking hippocampus.

6.Problems Navigating

Problems navigating are apparent when you are trying to locate a place in a new area. You get confused and can’t work out where you are.

In our brain we have a GPS which allows us to locate where we are in space. When this area of the brain goes down, we lose this GPS. So, our internal map becomes non-functional, resulting in not being able to find out where you are.

Final Comments

Now that you are aware of what the early warning signs of dementia are, the next step is to know how to prevent the onset of dementia. We have published an article with 7 easy things you can do to prevent cognitive decline.

Viewing Dr. Eric Berg DC channel guided much of the content for this article. Dr. Berg specializes in Intermittent Fasting and Healthy Ketosis.

Driving and Dementia (All You Need To Know)

Trevor Howitt Blog, Stages June 17, 2021October 15, 2021dementia, driving, driving and dementia

It is crucial for all of us to understand the close connection between driving and dementia and how to act accordingly to avoid inconvenience.

We experienced many UNPLEASANT situations, thus want to share this guide with you.

A positive dementia diagnosis usually comes with a myriad of concerns for the affected individual.

Among them include the ability of a person to drive safely.

How Does Dementia Affect Driving?

You will notice that many people who have dementia can no longer drive, especially if the disease has progressed to the later stages.

This can be very upsetting, particularly to the persons who feel like driving defines freedom and autonomy.

In addition to memory loss that is synonymous with dementia, other causes can also affect a person’s driving ability.

These include medical conditions that a person with dementia might be suffering from. The most common in seniors are hearing and vision problems.

Arthritis can also affect head-turning.

A fraction of older people with dementia have weaker muscles, which makes physical tasks like braking or steering rather difficult.

Medications, a person is taking, can also contribute to driving problems. Various depression drugs, as well as night sedatives, may affect how a person drives.

Individuals with dementia and their caregivers can benefit from our guidelines that can offer helpful pointers on the whole driving and dementia issue.

Read on to uncover important information about driving for people with dementia.

When Does a Person Become a Traffic Risk?

In some cases, though not all, a dementia diagnosis does not mean that a person immediately loses their driving skills.

Some people, particularly in the early stages of the disease, can go about their driving business without any complications.

However, due to the nature of the illness, everyone HAS TO STOP driving eventually.

This is because the disease becomes worse over time, which means that symptoms like a decrease in cognitive functioning, memory loss, and visual-spatial disorientation become more pronounced.

Some individuals will stop driving voluntarily after identifying the risks involved. Others may need intervention from relatives and caregivers.

Because everyone experiences the illness differently, it is not easy to pinpoint the right time a person should no longer be on the road as a driver.

As a general rule, persons with mild or early dementia should undergo an evaluation to know if they can continue driving.

Those who have moderate or severe dementia SHOULD keep off the wheel.

It may also help if the affected individuals and those around them are keen on the developing symptoms to make the decision at the right time.

Going For Independent Driving Evaluation

Independent driving evaluations are some of the safest options to determine a person’s driving capability.

These are usually available through State Departments of Motor Vehicles or driver rehabilitation programs.

Remember to inform the examiners that the individual going through evaluation has dementia. These individuals usually sit for a behind-the-wheel driver re-examination.

This will determine whether the candidate will RETAIN their driving license or whether it will be revoked.

Because dementia is a progressive disease, it is recommended that drivers with dementia go through the evaluation often say after every six months or so.

If anyone FAILS the test, they must discontinue driving instantly.

Signs That Indicate It Is No Longer Safe to Drive

A person’s behavior outside their car can tell if they can drive properly or not.

Some of the signs that a person may show signifying that they will not be good drivers include:

Has a hard time multitasking
Has a problem judging space and distance
Becomes less coordinated
Feels disoriented or gets lost in familiar environments
Is not as alert to things that are happening around them
Memory loss specifically for recent events increases
Has a hard time processing information
Has challenges with problem-solving and decision-making
Becomes more irritable, confused, and has mood swings
Needs prompting when it comes to personal care, etc.

It is advisable to compare previous behavior (before dementia onset) to current behavior to get an accurate picture of the transformation a person is going through.

Behavioral changes are usually noticeable to people who closely interact with the person with dementia over time.

The observations can then be shared with other friends, family members, and health care professionals.

Checking Driving Behaviors

If the person with dementia gets the green light to continue driving, friends and family must continue to monitor their driving.

An individual’s driving skills can decrease in a short period. Observing driving conduct is crucial because it allows early problem detection before it becomes a crisis.

Some of the warning signs may consist of:

Ignoring traffic lights or confusion over road rules, colors, and words
Driving too slowly
Hitting curbs
Stopping in the middle of the road for no reason
Having challenges with highway exits, turns, or lane changes
Lacking good judgment
Driving at inappropriate speeds
Getting lost on familiar routes
Driving on the wrong streets
Drifting into other lanes unintentionally
Getting drowsy or falling asleep while driving
Confusing gas and brake pedals
Refusing to strap on seat belts
Parking at the wrong places
Coming back from routines drives later than usual
Getting tickets often for multiple violations
Having accidents or too many “near-misses”
Easily distractibility by road signs, pedestrians, or pets they may see while driving
Refusing to drive with other people in the car
Becomes irritated or nervous when driving, etc.

What To Do To Improve Driving Skills

Unfortunately, because of the declining nature of dementia, there is nothing that can be done to enhance driving skills.

As the disease becomes worse, many people become a hazard on the road. This implies that caregivers and doctors must take charge.

The affected individuals, doctors, and persons offering care must also familiarize themselves with the laws that govern driving and dementia.

In some locations, doctors must report any medical conditions that may get in the way of a person’s driving ability.

Getting “Difficult Persons” To Stop Driving

Blood relatives and caregivers may, at times, be faced with a situation where an individual with dementia blatantly refuses to stop driving even when it is dangerous.

This is because most of them feel as though they lose a great deal of independence if they cannot drive themselves around.

Such circumstances call for a lot of wisdom when dealing with this aspect of driving and dementia.

The persons dealing with the topic can start by calmly and sympathetically talking to the affected individual, letting them know why driving is not a good idea.

Remember that the talks should be given out in small doses to give the affected individual time to process what lays ahead.

Be ready to listen and encourage the person to talk freely about how the changes make them feel.

Mention the positives, not the negatives

Stressing about the positives of quitting driving might drive the point home.

Try and appeal to the individual’s sense of responsibility all the time, reaffirming support and unconditional love.

Alternative transportation must also be offered so that the ill individual does not feel like they will not have the freedom of movement anymore.

If the people around cannot come up with a solution, it may be time to join a support group.

These offer a GREAT platform for caregivers and persons with dementia to talk to other individuals who are in a similar situation.

Seek help if necessary

They act as an excellent resource center to get tips on how to get the person to stop driving.

Experts believe that people will adjust better if they are involved in the discussions and decisions on when they should retire when it comes to driving.

Care managers and physicians might also help a person make the right timely decision. The professionals can tactfully bring up the driving topic during health visits.

A financial planner or lawyer may also step in to DISCUSS driving as part of the ill person’s financial and legal planning.

Affected persons may respond better to the experts as compared to their relatives or friends.

It can also help if family members and caregivers can come up with ways that reduce the need of the person with dementia to drive all the time.

It can be things like having prescriptions, groceries, and meals delivered at home.

Beauticians and barbers can be contracted to make home visits. Loved ones can visit often so that the person does not feel the need to go out and look for them.

Friends and family can also organize to take the person on social outings.

Slowly limit their driving

Where possible, it is usually best to start early rather than bombard a person to stop driving immediately.

For instance, during the onset of the middle stages of the disease, caregivers can work with an individual to introduce the concept of limiting their driving.

During these times, there are a few beneficial tips the dementia drivers can work with like:

Avoiding driving in bad weather and at night
Driving on familiar roads only
Avoiding long-distance drives
Escaping roads that have huge traffic amounts

Asking the person to co-pilot might also make the transition from driver to passenger a little easier.

When all else fails, caregivers may be forced to take drastic measures to ensure that the individual who has dementia does not go driving when they are not supposed to.

Some of the methods that can keep weak people from accessing their cars include:

Hiding car keys or replacing them with a set that will not start the car
Ensuring the car is out of sight
Disabling the car by removing the battery cable so that it will not start. A mechanic can also install a “kill switch” that the driver must engage in before starting the car.
Selling the vehicle

Alternate Transport Solutions

When tackling the topic of driving and dementia, it is important to table alternative transport options for individuals who can no longer drive.

These help individuals to continue living active lives with minimal restrictions on their mobility. Common transport options are:

Public Transportation

This comes in handy, especially in the early stages of the disease. This is where a person can get familiar with the transportation system in their area so that they get by without too many problems.

The option may not work for people who are in the last stages of the disease. This is because they may not be in a position to figure out how to get to the trains or buses or even their schedules and routes.

Senior Transportation Services

Some organizations offer exclusive transportation services for people who have special needs. A quick online search can help you identify some of the companies that extend these services.

Compare a few to settle on the ones you feel will meet the transport needs of the person with dementia.

Taxi

Just like public transportation, this may be a solution for people who are in the middle or early stages of the disease and preferably do not have any extreme behavioral issues.

Families can choose to set a payment account with a specific company so that the affected individual does not have to deal with taxi bills.

It is also a good option if someone accompanies the person with dementia to the taxi and has another person waiting for them at the destination.

Friends and Family

Family members, neighbors, and friends can offer to drive the person to their appointments and social engagements.

To avoid overburdening one person, make a list of the people willing to provide transportation alongside their contacts and availability.

Driving and Dementia Closing Thoughts

Car accidents are the leading cause of death-related injuries in persons between ages 65-74, according to various studies.

They are also the 2nd commonest cause of death for people who are above the age of 85 after falls.

Experts reveal that the risk of getting into an auto accident doubles for persons who have dementia.

It is, therefore, important to do due diligence when caring for a person with the illness so that they do not go out there driving putting their lives and those of other road users in danger.

Always keep in mind that driving ability spans many cognitive domains, and requires executive function, visuospatial skills, motor skills, attention, and memory.

Mixed Dementia – What Is It, Symptoms & Treatment

Trevor Howitt Blog, Stages, Types May 18, 2021October 15, 2021alzheimer's disease, dementia, mixed dementia, vascular dementia

We studied and conducted a complete overview of self-explanatory mixed dementia.

People who have dementia may experience changes that represent TWO OR MORE types of dementia occurring simultaneously in the brain.

This disorder is quite complex.

There are several combinations possible which can be a mixture of one, two or even more of the types of dementia below:

The most common cases are usually a combination between blood vessel abnormalities commonly linked with vascular dementia and protein deposits usually seen in Alzheimer’s disease.

It is believed that about 10% of people with dementia also have the illness.

Scientists, however, reveal that this number could be HIGHER.

The illness may occur in different stages. These are important when it comes to guiding caregivers and physicians on how to best take care of people with this kind of dementia.

Below are seven common stages of mixed dementia.

7 Stages Of Mixed Dementia

1. No impairment

This is where an individual can go about their business and life independently.

During this stage, there are no outward clear signs of the illness. At this stage, it is more or less if someone else suggests testing ourselves for (mixed) dementia or we read it in an article – like this one.

Since dementia starts developing years and years in advance, anyone at the age of around fifty should test themselves.

Sometimes even earlier.

2. Very Mild

The signs and symptoms at this stage also hardly manifest. Generally, there may appear normal forgetfulness signs that are associated with aging.

For instance, a person may struggle to remember the name of a loved one, but finally, figure it out after some time.

If these events start to repeat, become almost annoying, the individual should visit the doctor.

3. Mild

During this point, the symptoms remain barely noticeable. A person may go on their daily lives without too much interruption.

Some people may, however, showcase symptoms such as repetition, slight memory loss, loss of concentration and difficulties managing finances such as balancing checkbooks.

Again if the person is doing the same mistakes again and again or forgetting the name of the same person, seeing the doctor is almost crucial.

4. Moderate

It becomes clear at this stage that many people cannot complete routine tasks without some form of assistance.

This can be SIMPLE THINGS such as preparing meals, using the phone, changing television programs and completing laundry.

Some people also start to withdraw socially, experience incontinence and have trouble finding the right phrases or words.

5. Moderately Severe

During these final stages, people with this kind of dementia need help to go about their day to day lives.

Some symptoms may include an increase in memory loss, confusion regarding events, and current location.

Also, the need for a helping hand when picking appropriate clothing and tying shoelaces.

6. Severe

The disease becomes worse at this stage and individuals can no longer perform duties on their own.

They may need a helping hand with a majority of their day-to-day activities including when dressing, going to the toilet, eating, walking, and sleeping.

At this time, a caregiver is almost a necessity.

7. Very Severe

The final stage is associated with signs like LOSS of muscle control, hard times with language ability, no control over urination, and losing awareness of the surroundings.

With this type of dementia, hence the name, several different symptoms and signs may occur from several other different dementias.

Mixed Dementia Symptoms

Worth noting is that a diagnosis of mixed dementia is quite difficult.

Most people with the illness do not know that they have it because the many brain changes it involves are hard to detect.

Instead, persons are usually diagnosed with the kind of dementia that best suits the symptoms they have.

Many are the times when the disease is only seen during an autopsy rather than during life.

Depending on the dementia combination that a person has, the symptoms may vary widely.

Primarily, the symptoms are similar to those of a specific type of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

Some people’s symptoms may be a clear indication of the existence of multiple kinds of dementia. These may include:

Learning Difficulties

Trouble remembering newly acquired information is one of the earliest signs that people with dementia have.

You can teach a person something new today and if asked about it tomorrow, they may not know what you are talking about.

The reason for this is that dementia characteristically affects the section of the brain that is responsible for learning.

As a person grows older and the disease becomes worse, they may report more severe symptoms.

These can include disorientation, changes in behavior/mood, worsening confusion of places, time, and event, and becoming suspicious of friends, family members, or the caregivers who spend quality time with the individual with this type of dementia.

Loss of Memory

Everyone with dementia at one point experiences difficulties with memory. It usually starts off light something that does not bother many.

Trouble sets in when the loss of memory begins to interfere with a person’s ability to perform their normal daily tasks.

Signs of this may include the increasing need to rely on aids such as reminder notes or electronic devices to remember stuff.

Some people will even forget the most important dates of their lives like their birthdays, children’s/ partner’s birthdates, doctor’s appointments, and so on.

Many people with dementia also get into the habit of asking for the same details repeatedly.

Additionally, they may also lose things frequently and leave valuable items in unusual places.

Poor Judgement

People with mixed dementia may have a difficult time making the right call whenever necessary.

For instance, you may find that an individual does not have control over their money.

They may become over generous giving up huge chunks of money to telemarketers and other organizations.

Such people are usually vulnerable and they need a trustworthy person to guide them since they can easily fall into the hands of conmen.

As the disease, progresses, people with the illness may start to pay less attention to their bodies ignoring basic hygiene practices like brushing teeth, taking a shower, and putting on clean clothes, etc. Grooming becomes the last thing on their minds.

Mixed Dementia Treatment

To date, treatment for mixed dementia remains a challenge for medical practitioners.

However, there is a ray of hope for people with the illness because scientific studies show that it responds well to treatment options like:

Practicing Life-Long Heart-Healthy Lifestyle

Although this is not a treatment option per say, leading a healthy lifestyle can help delay or prevent the advancement of symptoms as the person with dementia grows older.

When talking about a healthy lifestyle, it means eating right.

This is where you get at least 3 or 4 healthy balanced meals. Avoid processed foods and too much sugar.

People with this type of dementia should also drink loads of plain water, stop smoking, cease drinking alcohol, and take part in exercise even when it is not too strenuous to get the heart beating as it should.

It also involves honoring doctor’s appointments so that a professional can check you out and give any advice necessary.

Different Types of Therapy

Some people with mixed dementia can benefit from various therapies.

These may include:

This is where the people with the illness take part in specific activities that help to stimulate thinking skills and how they interact with other people.

Most of the time these are usually group-based.

Facilitators often include games and music to make it more enjoyable.

Therapy can also assist with any movement issues to improve the overall quality and function of life.

It is best to have these done by a certified professional to avoid making things worse.

This is because it is not an easy task and caregivers need to be trained well on what to expect.

Drugs

Worth noting is that there is no medicine yet, for a person with a combination of two or more kinds of dementia.

Doctors may, however, prescribe various medicines in a bid to treat other underlying conditions that can cause damage to an individual’s blood vessels.

These include diseases like heart problems, stroke, diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.

Controlling these risk factors is vital because it may protect the brain from harmful vascular changes.

Some drugs can also help with a variety of symptoms.

This is where a person takes medicine to relieve symptoms such as aggression, agitation, and anxiety.

Before giving the go-ahead to take any medicine, the doctor has to assess the person’s environment and health.

Palliative Care

Many people with mixed dementia end up in palliative care especially during the final stages of the disease.

This is the type of care that is accorded to people who have serious illnesses.

This can be done at home or in a health institution. It is quite different from the care that people receive when they are in the process of curing an illness.

The primary goal of this type of care is to enhance a person’s life quality focusing on the whole being i.e. mind, body, and soul.

Caregivers usually help persons under their care to become more independent while managing their daily lives.

They can also offer counseling and support when an individual needs these to help them feel better.

Final Thoughts

Thanks to advancements in the medical field, there are chances that as research continues to grow, mixed dementia will progressively be diagnosed and treated during life.

Experts are also coming up with new clinical trials for individuals to try and introduce new methods that will most likely manage, prevent, treat, or detect this type of dementia.

Late Onset Alzheimer’s Disease

Trevor Howitt Blog, Causes, Stages April 2, 2021October 15, 2021alzheimer's disease, late onset alzheimer's

It is known that late onset Alzheimer’s disease is the most common one in older adults.

But first, let’s take a look at the bigger picture, causes, factors, symptoms and treatments of Alzheimer’s disease.

Different people develop Alzheimer’s disease (AD) at different stages in their lives. For some, a positive diagnosis happens before they turn 65 years, which is mostly in their 40s or 50s.

This is known as early-onset Alzheimer’s.

Others, on the other hand, will get the disease when they are 65 years or older. This is known as late onset Alzheimer’s, and it is the most common form of the illness responsible for about 90% of Alzheimer’s cases.

The irreversible disease is a leading cause of death in seniors behind heart disease and cancer.

Let’s explore this illness in detail below.

Causes of Late Onset Alzheimer’s disease

To date, scientists and other parties involved have not been able to pinpoint the exact cause of this illness.

The question of why some individuals get it and others do not remain a mystery.

Researchers have not yet identified a particular gene that is behind the development of Alzheimer’s.

While some say that Alzheimer’s is hereditary, the fact cannot be substantiated because it may or may not run in the family.

There are instances where both parents may get the illness and their child does not end up getting it.

What factors are behind the development of the disease?

Experts agree that Alzheimer’s is likely not the result of a single cause, but a combination of environmental, genetic, and lifestyle factors.

For instance, a mutation of the ApoE gene is believed to increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s after hitting 65 years.

Conversely, it is not the cause of the illness. The National Institutes of Health states that ApoE is responsible for how cholesterol moves in the blood.

Some studies suggest that individuals who have high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure are at a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s.

Recent research also suggests that viral and bacterial infections play a significant role in the development of the illness.

Because of ongoing research, scientists are positive that soon they will be able to come up with a detailed explanation of the multiple Alzheimer’s causes so that people can have a better understanding of this disease.

Symptoms of Late Onset Alzheimer’s disease

AD affects people in different ways.

The most common symptom pattern, however, usually starts with continuing challenges in remembering new information.

This happens because the neurological disorder affects the hippocampus, which is the part of the brain that is responsible for memory and learning.

Other warning signs

Other warning signs of this disease include:

Repeating statements and questions
Having a hard time making decisions
Issues with visuospatial skills like judging distances
Communication problems
Inability to complete daily living activities like eating, walking, dressing, and maintaining personal hygiene
Hallucinations and delusions especially in the later stages
Misplacing items
Confusion of place or time
Changes in personality such as becoming anti-social, anxious, depressed, aggressive, etc.

Symptoms of Alzheimer’s (late onset) typically begin to show when a person is in their mid-60s.

Because Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease, the symptoms become worse as the neurological deterioration progresses.

During the later stages of the disease, the affected person may have to get into 24/7 care because they are not able to live independently.

Alzheimer’s disease Diagnosis

Experts are continually working on techniques to identify the earliest stages of Alzheimer’s in a bid to offer early intervention effectively.

This, in turn, helps to delay significant impairments.

For the longest time, a thorough post-mortem microscopic brain examination was the definitive way to diagnose Alzheimer’s.

This was not helping too much because the diagnosis needs to be made when a person is alive.

What’s necessary for AD diagnosis

Nowadays, experts can diagnose AD with over 95% accuracy in living humans.

A combination of tools come into play including:

A person’s medical history plus that of their families
Neuropsychologic tests to assess cognitive function
Multiple laboratory tests: medics usually conduct this to identify secondary causes of the illness such as medical conditions that are common with golden-agers. These might include blood count, glucose levels, serum electrolytes, Vitamin B12 Hepatic function panels, creatinine ration, and so forth.
Neuroimaging: this helps to table appropriate details on brain structures to help exclude treatable conditions

The list above is not exhaustive but covers the most essential AD diagnosis tools.

Because people experience the illness differently, a doctor may prescribe more tests to conduct the diagnosis comprehensively.

In regards to diagnosis for late onset Alzheimer’s, it is important to note that misdiagnosis is bound to happen in some cases.

This is because the illness shares symptoms with other medical disorders. It is the reason it is crucial to get a proper diagnosis to manage the disease better.

Treatment for Late Onset Alzheimer’s disease

Despite ongoing research and studies, experts have not come up with a cure for AD. This does not mean that a positive diagnosis implies suffering and immediate death.

People who have this illness can live up to 8 years or more after the development of the disease. A couple of factors can affect longevity such as:

1. Gender

Many studies suggest that women live longer than men after Alzheimer’s diagnosis.

2. Brain abnormalities

Persons who have a combination of Alzheimer’s, brain, and spinal cord issues tend to die faster than those who do not have all these medical conditions.

The same applies to other health problems where individuals with diabetes or heart attacks have shorter lifespans than people who do not have other complicating health factors.

3. The severity of symptoms

Persons who have severe motor impairment like tendencies to get lost or wander and falls tend to have shorter life experiences.

Several coping mechanisms are put in place to help individuals with the disease live fuller, more independent, and satisfying lives for the longest possible time like:

Use of Medication

Certain medicines are available to help reduce symptoms of Alzheimer’s temporarily such as:

AChE inhibitors

Acetylcholinesterase are drugs that help to increase acetylcholine levels in the brain. This is a substance that helps to improve communication between nerve cells.

Only specialists like neurologists or psychiatrists can prescribe the drugs.

A general GP can also do it but it has to be under the direction of the specialists.

Most recent guidelines recommend that the people who should take the medicines are the ones in the middle or severe stages of the illness.

Persons on these medications need to be aware of some side effects they may experience.

The most common ones include loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting. For most people, side effects get better after some time of taking the medication.

Memantine

This is a drug that has been designed to block the effects of excess glutamate a chemical in the brain. Persons can use this for moderate and severe Alzheimer’s.

It comes in handy for individuals who cannot tolerate AChE inhibitors.

Additionally, people who are on AChE inhibitors can also take the drugs. The known side effects of these medications include temporary constipation, headaches, and dizziness.

To get more fine points about the side effects, consult a professional or doctor for an individual consultancy.

Physicians might also prescribe other medicines like antidepressants that can help deal with behavioral changes.

Therapies

Treatment can also involve different types of therapies that are beneficial when caring for a person with Alzheimer’s. These can include:

Cognitive rehabilitation

This is where the ill person works closely with an occupational therapist or any other professional to achieve a personal goal.

This can be anything from learning how to use a phone, computer, or completing a daily task.

This rehabilitation aims at getting the parts of the brain that are working to assist the ones that are not functioning as they should.

Reminiscence

This involves talking about events and things from a person’s past.

The use of props such as music, photos, and other possessions, can make this exercise more productive.

You can combine this with life story works that involve a collection of notes, photographs, and keepsakes from the suffering individual’s childhood through old age.

Studies show that these are effective when coping with late onset Alzheimer’s because it helps to enhance good mood and wellbeing.

Preventing Late Onset Alzheimer’s

Similar to the cure situation of Alzheimer’s, there is still no sure way of preventing the development of the disease.

Experts continue to conduct multiple studies on preventive measures, but the results are usually inconsistent.

However, several lifestyle factors might help to reduce the risk of the illness, such as:

Diet

Studies suggest that earing right might help keep the disease away.

You should purpose to always indulge in a balanced diet that mainly constitutes fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and whole grains.

Physical Movement

Evidence puts forward the benefits of exercise for the brain, which may help reduce the risk of suffering from progressive disease.

Intellectual activities

Research suggests that exercising the brain through activities like writing, reading, playing games, and doing puzzles help stimulate the brain health.

Anyone who has Alzheimer’s must consult a healthcare professional first before making any key lifestyle change to be on the safe side.

Closing Remarks

More elderly people are getting a positive diagnosis of late onset Alzheimer’s disease. Management of the illness is quite complex because there is no cure.

There is a need for a comprehensive care approach that not only focuses on the person with the disease but caregivers as well.

Early diagnosis is beneficial because affected individuals can then work closely with their relatives and doctors to lead fuller and more gratifying lives.

Sadly, it may reach a point where persons with Alzheimer’s may need to move to care facilities or have professional caregivers at their beck and call at home.

Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease: 7 Stages & What to Expect

Petra Boh Blog, Stages March 11, 2021August 21, 2026alzheimer's disease, dementia stages

7 stages of Alzheimer's disease from early to late stage

Stages of Alzheimer’s can help families understand how the disease may change over time and what type of support a person might need as symptoms progress.

However, Alzheimer’s disease does not follow exactly the same path in every person. Symptoms can overlap between stages, and one person may remain relatively independent in one area while needing considerable help in another.

The Alzheimer’s Association commonly describes Alzheimer’s disease in three broad stages: early or mild, middle or moderate, and late or severe.

Another widely referenced system is the seven-stage Global Deterioration Scale developed by Dr. Barry Reisberg and colleagues. This article explains those seven stages while also showing how they relate to the simpler early, middle and late-stage model.

What Are the 7 Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease?

The seven-stage model describes a gradual progression from no noticeable cognitive decline through severe Alzheimer’s disease.

The original Global Deterioration Scale was developed as a clinical framework for describing increasing cognitive and functional impairment.

The seven stages are:

No noticeable cognitive decline
Very mild cognitive decline
Mild cognitive decline
Moderate cognitive decline
Moderately severe cognitive decline
Severe cognitive decline
Very severe cognitive decline

It is important not to think of these as seven sharply separated boxes. A person can show characteristics from more than one stage at the same time.

Stages 1-3: Preclinical and Early Changes

Changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease can begin in the brain many years before obvious memory or thinking problems develop.

The National Institute on Aging describes this period as preclinical Alzheimer’s disease. Importantly, having biological changes associated with Alzheimer’s does not necessarily mean that a person will develop dementia.

Stage 1: No Noticeable Cognitive Decline

At stage 1, there are no noticeable problems with memory, thinking or everyday function.

A person generally:

Functions independently
Has no obvious memory impairment
Completes normal daily activities
Shows no clear cognitive symptoms to family or friends

This stage cannot be identified simply by observing someone’s behavior. Modern research can detect certain Alzheimer’s-related biomarkers before symptoms appear, but these tests are interpreted by medical professionals and are not used to diagnose Alzheimer’s based on symptoms alone.

Stage 2: Very Mild Cognitive Decline

At this point, a person may notice occasional memory lapses.

They might:

Forget a familiar name
Misplace keys, glasses or a phone
Have occasional difficulty recalling a word
Take slightly longer to remember information

These experiences can also occur during normal aging. Stage 2 by itself does not establish that someone has Alzheimer’s disease.

Stage 3: Mild Cognitive Decline

Changes may become more noticeable to family members, friends or coworkers.

Possible signs include:

Increasing difficulty finding the right words
Frequently losing possessions
Difficulty learning new information
Reduced concentration
Problems organizing or planning
Difficulty handling complex work responsibilities
Getting lost in unfamiliar places

Some people at this level may be diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). MCI can have several causes and does not always progress to Alzheimer’s dementia.

If memory or thinking problems are affecting everyday life, a medical assessment is important. Doctors may use medical history, neurological examination, laboratory testing, brain imaging and cognitive tests to investigate the cause.

Stage 4: Early-Stage Alzheimer’s Disease

Stage 4 of the seven-stage model broadly corresponds with mild or early-stage Alzheimer’s disease.

This should not be confused with early-onset Alzheimer’s. Early-onset refers to Alzheimer’s disease that develops before age 65; early-stage describes the severity of the disease.

Many people in the early stages of Alzheimer’s can still live relatively independently. They may continue working, socializing and participating in familiar activities.

However, increasingly noticeable difficulties can include:

Forgetting recent conversations or events
Repeating questions
Difficulty managing money and paying bills
Problems planning meals or completing complicated tasks
Losing track of dates
Difficulty organizing appointments
Reduced ability to make sound decisions
Changes in mood, confidence or initiative

Driving ability should also be reviewed as Alzheimer’s progresses. Our article on driving and dementia explains some of the warning signs families can watch for.

Treatment During the Early Stages of Alzheimer’s

Early diagnosis has become increasingly important because treatment options have changed considerably in recent years.

According to the National Institute on Aging, medications are available to help manage Alzheimer’s symptoms.

In addition, the disease-modifying treatments lecanemab and donanemab are FDA-approved for certain people with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia caused by Alzheimer’s disease.

These treatments are not suitable for everyone and have potentially serious risks, so eligibility needs to be assessed by an Alzheimer’s specialist.

This makes it especially important to consult an experienced doctor rather than waiting until symptoms become advanced. Depending on the situation, a care team may include neurologists, geriatricians and other dementia specialists.

Stages 5-6: Middle-Stage Alzheimer’s Disease

The middle or moderate stage is often when Alzheimer’s begins to have a much greater effect on everyday independence.

The Alzheimer’s Association notes that the middle stage can be the longest stage for many people and that care needs generally increase substantially during this period.

Stage 5: Moderately Severe Cognitive Decline

A person may still remember important details about themselves and recognize close family members, but everyday activities become increasingly difficult.

Common difficulties can include:

Forgetting their address or phone number
Becoming confused about where they are
Difficulty remembering the date or time
Needing help choosing appropriate clothing
Difficulty preparing meals
Needing reminders about medications
Problems managing personal hygiene

Assistance may be required with activities such as eating, shopping, transportation and dressing.

Families should balance safety with independence. Allowing a person to continue doing tasks they can still safely manage can help maintain confidence and quality of life.

Stage 6: Severe Cognitive Decline

Stage 6 generally involves much greater dependence on caregivers.

Memory problems become more severe, and a person may have difficulty recalling recent experiences or important details from their past.

They may also:

Confuse the names or identities of family members
Require considerable help getting dressed
Need assistance with bathing and grooming
Experience bladder or bowel incontinence
Have disrupted sleep patterns
Wander or become lost
Experience anxiety, agitation or restlessness
Develop hallucinations, delusions or paranoia

Behavioral and psychological symptoms can be particularly challenging for families. They may include anxiety, delusions, paranoia or changes in sleep and activity.

Sudden changes in behavior should not automatically be blamed on Alzheimer’s. Pain, infection, medication side effects, dehydration and other medical problems can cause rapid changes and should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

Stage 7: Late-Stage Alzheimer’s Disease

Stage 7 corresponds broadly with severe or late-stage Alzheimer’s disease.

At this stage, a person generally requires extensive assistance and supervision.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, late-stage Alzheimer’s can involve major changes in mobility, communication, eating and personal care.

Common Changes in Stage 7

A person may:

Have very limited speech or lose the ability to communicate verbally
Need full assistance with bathing, dressing and toileting
Have difficulty walking and eventually become unable to walk
Need help sitting or changing position
Experience difficulty eating or swallowing
Lose weight
Become increasingly vulnerable to infections
Need around-the-clock care

Although verbal communication may decline dramatically, this does not mean that meaningful interaction has ended.

A familiar voice, gentle touch, favorite music and a calm environment may still provide comfort and connection. Our guide to dementia and communication discusses ways to maintain that connection as communication becomes more difficult.

How Long Does Each Stage of Alzheimer’s Last?

There is no reliable timetable for how long a person will remain in each of the stages of Alzheimer’s.

Progression varies considerably depending on factors such as:

Age at diagnosis
Overall physical health
Other medical conditions
The particular pattern of Alzheimer’s disease
Complications such as infections or falls
The person’s individual biology

The Alzheimer’s Association reports that people live an average of approximately four to eight years after an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, although some live for considerably longer.

For this reason, families should view stage descriptions as a general guide rather than a countdown.

Why Knowing the Stages of Alzheimer’s Matters

Understanding the likely progression of Alzheimer’s can help families plan before a crisis develops.

In the earlier stages, this may involve:

Discussing future wishes
Reviewing legal and financial arrangements
Evaluating driving
Organizing medication management
Making the home safer

As Alzheimer’s progresses, planning may shift toward:

Help with meals and personal care
Supervision to prevent wandering
Mobility equipment
Respite care
Home care
Assisted living or memory care
Palliative or hospice care when appropriate

Planning ahead allows the person with Alzheimer’s to participate in decisions for as long as possible.

Stages of Alzheimer’s: Closing Thoughts

The stages of Alzheimer’s provide a useful framework for understanding how memory, thinking, communication and physical abilities may change as the disease progresses.

The seven-stage system gives families a detailed picture of progression, while today’s major U.S. Alzheimer’s organizations often use the simpler categories of mild, moderate and severe Alzheimer’s disease.

Neither system can predict exactly what will happen to an individual person or when it will happen.

Instead, use the stages as a guide for recognizing changing needs, asking the right questions and planning appropriate care.

If someone’s memory or thinking has changed noticeably, especially if it is interfering with everyday activities, speak with a healthcare professional rather than trying to determine an Alzheimer’s stage on your own.

Vascular Dementia Stages and Progression

Trevor Howitt Blog, Stages, Types February 8, 2021February 1, 2024dementia, dementia stages, vascular dementia, vascular dementia stages

Vascular dementia is one of the most common types of dementia, and people who have this illness often have to go through several vascular dementia stages.

It is a disease that develops when the brain cells die because they are not getting enough nutrients and oxygen.

It can happen when there are impaired tiny blood vessels in the brain or after a person has gone through a major stroke or even a series of smaller strokes.

Because the condition does not have a cure yet, it progresses from a mild case to a severe one. Note that these stages will differ from one person to the next.

This is simply because this type of dementia is typically brought about by different conditions.

One person may experience vascular dementia following a stroke.

However, another may get it after the inner parts of the brain get damaged for one reason or another. Just like other forms of dementia, vascular dementia also tends to progress in gradual stages. This, however, happens in a more step-like manner.

Check out how the illness may affect an individual over time describing what happens during the three major vascular dementia stages below.

Vascular Dementia Stages

1st Stage

At the onset of vascular dementia, things are usually not too serious. Many individuals during this first stage can go about their daily lives without any interference.

This is because the symptoms are still somewhat stable; thus, manageable.

Most of the time, it is difficult to tell whether a person has vascular dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

Some people may even have what is known as mixed dementia, where one has both Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Some people may experience things like impaired memory (general forgetfulness), challenges finding the right words, and difficulty with planning, organizing, and carrying out several tasks in an efficient manner during the first stages of this illness.

A small percentage of individuals with vascular dementia will also go through a slight decline in walking and balance. The condition at this point may also affect thinking and decision making.

At this stage, a majority of people can live alone, but it is recommended that their loved ones always check on them often.

This helps to make sure that everything is in place and that the individuals are not a danger to themselves or any other people around them.

At times, small home modifications may also come in handy to create a more supportive and comfortable environment for individuals with vascular dementia.

2nd Stage

After a person has gone through the initial vascular dementia stages, it may reach a point where the symptoms are no longer stable.

Things become worse where you might find that the affected person now has a different personality.

Depending on the cause of this dementia, many people will start going through anxiety, depression and have mood swings.

This usually occurs because a person is more aware of the changes that are happening to their bodies. Some people will become overly emotional and a majority are prone to apathy.

Other behavioral changes may include increased agitation and irritability.

Increased agitation and irritability

There may also be sessions where they are certain outbursts where a person can either cry or laugh inappropriately.

Hallucinations and delusions may also be part of the equation.

In severe cases, a percentage of individuals who have vascular dementia will also experience epilepsy episodes. Loss of social skills is also common at this stage.

You may find that a person who has the disease no longer wants to be a part of the social circles they were in before. They may not want to talk to the people they love.

You may notice that they want to spend more time indoors as a means of shutting out the world.

Most of the time, this usually comes about because a person is embarrassed about what they are going through seeing that they are no longer in complete control of their lives.

Several physical signs may also be prevalent during the middle stages of vascular dementia.

This is where a person may experience loss of bowel or bladder control. Some may also experience dizziness and tremors often.

Caregivers may also notice that the persons under their care are experiencing arm and leg weakness and maybe moving around with shuffling rapid steps.

Language and speech problems

If a person was speaking well in the past, slurred speech and other language problems might also start to show up.

Individuals with this illness should also get close monitoring when they are on the move. That’s because they tend to get lost even when they are in familiar surroundings.

Doing things like paying bills handling money or engaging in their favorite hobby becomes challenging, which can prove to be quite frustrating to the ill individual.

It’s not uncommon for a person with the illness to have difficulties sleeping during this phase.

Some individuals also display repetitive, obsessive or even impulsive behavior.

If a person is staying alone at this point, it would be best to make different housing arrangements.

They can move in with relatives who will act as caregivers and also keep an eye on the persons with the illness to prevent avoidable accidents.

If this is not possible, the family might have to look into senior care facilities where persons with vascular dementia will get professional care.

This is simply because a person at this point may need support with multiple day-to-day activities.

These may include showering, walking, dressing, eating, cooking, and using the restroom, among others.

3rd Stage

You can consider this one of the final vascular dementia stages. The symptoms that persons experience at this stage are normally severe.

These can be distressing to the weak person.

If one gets vascular dementia after suffering a stroke, the aftermath can bring out physical symptoms.

They can experience problems with speech, vision, and weakness of the limbs. These symptoms will surface if the stroke caused damage to certain parts of the brain.

Individuals who have vascular dementia may also experience similar symptoms to the people who are in their last stages of Alzheimer’s disease.

It is where issues with communication, reasoning, confusion, memory loss, and disorientation become worse.

Motor challenges

A majority of people with vascular dementia also experience motor symptoms that may include unsteady or slow gait disturbance and clumsiness.

Handling daily activities becomes increasingly difficult, too.

Delusions or hallucinations that would come and go during the previous stage worsen.

At times, persons with vascular dementia may also become violent, suspicious, and demanding of people who are around them.

Many persons have a difficult time eating and swallowing. This often leads to rapid unhealthy weight loss. Some may even experience loss of speech.

Almost everyone at this point will have significant problems with both long-term and short-term memory.

As the condition becomes worse, it may affect/damage all the functions of the brain. This is also the stage where the illness deteriorates and can end up being fatal.

Some people at this stage can also go through heart attacks or a major stroke that can end their lives.

During this stage, it might be difficult for the family to render the appropriate care. Especially if they are not around their loved ones 24/7.

This calls for other measures such as hiring a professional who will move in to look after the person who has vascular dementia.

Alternatively, the individual might have to move into a senior care community.

A place that looks after people with dementia to get the kind of assistance and care they need without compromising their health.

Closing Remarks

Anyone who has vascular dementia should not think of it as a death sentence. It is still possible to live a full life even when going through the various vascular dementia stages.

Always remember that different people will experience vascular dementia differently.

While some may go through gradual changes, others will experience a decline in cognitive abilities, which is followed closely by stability periods.

This does not last because there are other step downs in abilities and then stability for a while, and so forth. This is what is called “stepwise” or “step-like progression.”

When your grandparent manages to catch vascular dementia in its early stage, he or she can come up with an effective treatment plan.

This will slow down the illness, preventing it from becoming worse at a fast rate.

Professional doctors have the know-how to identify the underlying cause of the illness.

The expert will come up with a healthy program you can use to reduce the risk of complications that may crop up in the future.

This might include a total change in lifestyle that will slow down the progression of the disease.

Most professionals will recommend that you get moving to increase your physical fitness and blood flow. Additionally, eat a balanced diet, get on a routine, and quit smoking and drinking alcohol.

On average, reports indicate that persons with vascular dementia will live for about five years after they detect the symptoms.

There are, however, many people who have lived for more than five years.

Middle Stage Alzheimer’s Disease – What to Expect

Trevor Howitt Blog, Stages February 4, 2021October 16, 2021alzheimer's disease, middle stage alzheimer's disease, signs of alzheimer's

In this article, we cover all the possible symptoms, challenges and what to do during the middle stage of Alzheimer’s disease.

This comprehensive “guide” will help you as a caregiver or someone who is concerned about their situation.

Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder, one of the most common dementia types. It causes numerous changes in the lives of persons who have the illness.

This includes confusion, memory loss, gradual loss of independence, and changes in personality among many others.

The disease progresses through four main stages.

4 Alzheimer’s Disease Stages

Pre-clinical stage

This is where a person experiences changes in the brain before any symptoms of the disease start showing up.

Early/mild stage

It is the onset of the disease that makes a person mildly experience various symptoms. Examples of such include mild forgetfulness and problems managing money, etc.

Middle/moderate stage

At this stage, the symptoms of the illness become more pronounced where persons with the disease start to face new challenges like difficulties learning new information and problems with communication amidst others.

Late/severe stage

This is the last leg of the disease where an individual becomes less independent as they have to tackle worsening symptoms before their demise.

Each of these stages of Alzheimer’s is unique in terms of the level of independence a person has and the symptoms they go through.

Today we will focus on middle stage Alzheimer’s disease. This is typically the longest stage of the illness.

Below we will let you in on what to expect during this phase.

Signs of Middle Stage Alzheimer’s disease

Some of the symptoms that you may experience during the middle stage of the illness include:

Communication Problems

Persons with Alzheimer’s gradually lose their ability to express thoughts, find the right words, and keep conversations going.

As time passes by, a considerable percentage will also have a problem understanding what other people are saying.

Communication problems that may crop up during the middle stage include repetitiveness, trouble finding the proper words, reverting to native language, losing train of thought, and relying on non-verbal communication.

Behavioral Changes

Individuals with Alzheimer’s may experience various changes in behaviors. These may include anxiety, depression, irritability, verbal, and physical outbursts.

Loss Of Independence

Most people with Alzheimer’s will start to have difficulties completing daily tasks.

They may need assistance with activities like grooming, eating, choosing the clothes to wear, taking a bath, brushing teeth, and so forth.

Memory Loss

More significant loss of memory is one of the hallmarks of mid-stage Alzheimer’s. Persons at this stage may have a hard time recalling information.

These include personal details like phone numbers, where they live, or important dates like anniversaries and birthdays.

Some people have challenges identifying people who are close to them. They may recognize familiar faces but have no clue what their names are or the relationship they share.

Other symptoms that people experience at his stage include worsening judgment and poorer concentration levels.

People with Alzheimer’s at this point may not be able to tell the time or place they are in.

Knowing the changes to expect is important for the person with the disease and the caregivers as well.

The person suffering will not be too overwhelmed with the changes happening because they already anticipate them.

Caregivers can also come up with the most suitable solutions to deal with these signs so that the person under their care remains as comfortable as possible.

With this in mind, it is also vital to emphasize that Alzheimer’s disease is an individual experience, which means that the warning signs and progression rate can vary widely across individuals.

Safety Concerns During Alzheimer’s Disease Middle Stage

The signs above may lead to the development of a couple of safety concerns for persons who are going through Alzheimer’s middle stage.

One of the main ones has got to be driving.

Because of changes that are happening in a person’s body, it is advisable for people who have Alzheimer’s to stop driving when they get to the middle stages because it is no longer safe.

Persons with the illness may find it hard at first, but the people around them must reassure them it is the right move.

Additionally, friends and relatives should make sure the affected individuals always get rides when need be.

It also becomes dangerous to leave a person who has Alzheimer’s alone during the middle stages. They are bound to wander and get lost or hurt.

Safety precautions also need to be prioritized, especially if the person is still living at home to avoid accidents and enhance safety.

If the person with Alzheimer’s lives alone, it would be a great idea for them to move in with relatives who are willing to offer round the clock care.

If this is not possible, a residential care setting is an excellent alternative.

These are usually built for seniors who have Alzheimer’s; thus, take care of resident’s needs in the proper way.

Coping with Middle Stage Alzheimer’s Disease

Going through mid-stage Alzheimer’s does not mean that life comes to an end. There are plenty of things that ill people can do to remain sane and enjoy life a little bit like:

Engage in Pleasurable Activities

Depending on the level of interest and ability, a person with Alzheimer’s needs to take part in activities they will enjoy.

This can be anything from going for short walks, gardening, crafts, or helping with meal times. These do not need to be anything strenuous and difficult.

The main goal of engaging in various activities is to have fun and forget about the sickness even if it’s just for a little while.

This will not only enhance the quality of life, but it can also help to reduce some behaviors like aggression and wandering.

Remember that the person with Alzheimer’s has to enjoy these activities, or else it will not bring forth the desired results.

Work with a Suitable Daily Care Plan

Daily routines work out well for persons experiencing middle stage Alzheimer’s disease. Planning out the day in advance means that a person knows what they will do.

This is beneficial because the suffering individual does not need to spend a lot of time trying to figure out what they should be doing.

At this stage, a caregiver should assist in planning for the day. They should schedule activities that focus on a person’s strengths, likes, interests, and abilities.

The day must include adequate time for bathing, dressing, meals, and rest time.

For people who experience any type of sleep problem, it would be best if they stick to regular times for going to bed and waking up.

Daily routines also need to be flexible enough so that if need be a person can add some spontaneous, meaningful activities.

Most importantly, the day to day routines should adapt to changes the person with Alzheimer’s is going through.

Incorporate Music and Art

Art and music have a way of enriching the lives of individuals who have Alzheimer’s, particularly at the middle and end stages.

These allow affected people to engage and express themselves better.

Studies show that music might help improve some behavioral issues.

For instance, if a person listens or dances to the tunes, they love, it can help them feel less agitated.

Music is also known to offer a way to connect in cases where verbal communication becomes more difficult.

Art projects, on the other hand, can offer a sense of purpose and achievement. It should be exciting to engage in using materials that are not toxic or sharp.

Persons participating in the art project should also take their time and have a blast with the activity keeping in mind that the project does not have to end in a single sitting.

Join Support Groups

Alzheimer’s disease can be a very alienating illness where most people just want to stay alone. This is not wise because this is what leads to health complications like depression.

It is crucial to find a support group that is close to your location. You can thereby meet other people who are in a similar situation.

This can give you solace, knowing that other people also experience the same challenges.

The support groups can also offer great resources that can help make the Alzheimer’s journey a little bit easier.

Closing Remarks

Experts are currently working tirelessly to come up with a cure for Alzheimer’s because there is none.

For this reason, is important for a person going through middle stage Alzheimer’s to closely work with their doctor to explore treatment options that can help to reduce symptoms that a person experiences.

Do not forget to pay attention to other health issues like dental needs.

Understand that the middle level of the disease requires more effort than the earlier stages.

This implies that persons with Alzheimer’s need all the support they need to live life to the fullest.

As a side note, the person with Alzheimer’s also needs to start planning for the future if the necessary measures are not put in place yet.

This way, there will be no debate when it comes to fulfilling care, legal, and financial wishes when the time comes. Some steps that you can take to secure the future include:

1. Looking into services that are available as your needs change and the illness progresses. These can include care facilities, community programs like Meals on Wheels, respite care, and homecare.

2. Appointing a power of attorney to a trustworthy person. This is the individual who will be responsible for voicing out your decisions when it comes to legal, care, and financial matters where you are not in a position to make a sound judgment.

Lewy Body Dementia Stages: Early, Middle and Late Changes

Trevor Howitt Blog, Stages, Types January 15, 2021August 20, 2026dementia stages, LBD, lewy body dementia, lewy body dementia stages

Lewy body dementia stages from early to late progression

Understanding Lewy body dementia stages can help people living with the condition, family members and caregivers prepare for changes that may occur over time.

However, Lewy body dementia (LBD) does not progress in a perfectly predictable sequence. Symptoms can fluctuate from day to day and even within the same day, and two people with LBD may have very different experiences.

For this reason, early, middle and late stages are best viewed as a practical way of understanding progression rather than three official medical stages that everyone passes through in exactly the same way.

Below we explain how Lewy body dementia generally progresses, the changes that may occur during early, middle and later disease, and how care needs can change.

What Is Lewy Body Dementia?

Lewy body dementia is a progressive brain disorder associated with abnormal deposits of a protein called alpha-synuclein. These deposits are known as Lewy bodies.

According to the National Institute on Aging, Lewy bodies affect brain chemicals and can eventually cause problems with thinking, movement, behavior, mood, sleep and automatic body functions.

Lewy body dementia includes two closely related conditions:

Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), where cognitive symptoms develop before or around the same time as movement symptoms.
Parkinson’s disease dementia, where dementia develops after a person has been living with Parkinson’s disease and its movement symptoms.

As time passes, people with the two conditions may develop many of the same symptoms.

LBD usually begins in people aged 50 or older, although younger people can also develop it.

Common symptoms can include changes in attention and thinking, visual hallucinations, sleep disturbances, Parkinson’s-like movement symptoms, changes in mood and problems with automatic body functions such as blood pressure, digestion and bladder control.

You can read more about these in our guide to Lewy body dementia symptoms.

How Does Lewy Body Dementia Progress?

Lewy body dementia is progressive, which means symptoms generally become more significant over time.

One of the features that makes LBD different from many other conditions is cognitive fluctuation.

A person may appear relatively alert and capable at one time but become confused, sleepy or unable to concentrate later that day. They may then appear considerably better again.

These fluctuations do not necessarily mean the person has suddenly moved from one stage of dementia to another.

The speed of progression also varies considerably.

The National Institute on Aging reports that people with LBD live an average of about five to seven years from diagnosis, although the range can be approximately two to 20 years. Age, general health, symptoms and other medical conditions can all influence an individual’s course.

These figures are population averages and cannot predict how long any particular person will live.

Lewy Body Dementia Stages: A Practical Guide

There is no single universally accepted staging system that divides Lewy body dementia neatly into three clinical stages.

However, thinking in terms of early, middle and late changes can make it easier for families to understand increasing symptoms and care needs.

Importantly, symptoms can overlap between these stages.

Early Lewy Body Dementia

During early LBD, symptoms may be mild enough that the person remains largely independent.

Memory problems are not always the most noticeable early symptom. Difficulties with attention, problem-solving, planning and visuospatial abilities may be more prominent.

Possible early changes include:

Fluctuations in attention, concentration or alertness
Detailed visual hallucinations
REM sleep behavior disorder, where a person physically acts out dreams
Mild stiffness, slowness or other Parkinson’s-like movement changes
Changes in balance or walking
Excessive daytime sleepiness
Constipation or changes in bladder function
Dizziness when standing because of changes in blood pressure
Apathy or loss of initiative
Anxiety or depression
Changes in visual perception or judging distance

A person may still work, socialize and manage many everyday activities during this period.

However, some tasks such as managing finances, medications, appointments or driving may gradually become more difficult.

This can be a good time to establish a knowledgeable medical team, make the home safer and discuss future preferences while the person can participate fully in decisions.

The National Institute on Aging also recommends considering advance health care, legal and financial planning early rather than waiting until decision-making becomes more difficult.

Middle Lewy Body Dementia

As LBD progresses, difficulties with thinking and movement generally have a greater impact on everyday life.

The person may still be capable of many activities but require increasing supervision or assistance.

Changes may include:

More noticeable cognitive fluctuations and periods of confusion
Increasing difficulty planning or completing complex activities
More pronounced stiffness and slowness of movement
Problems with balance and an increased risk of falls
Increasing difficulty walking
Changes in speech or a softer voice
Difficulty swallowing
Delusions or paranoia
Hallucinations
Changes in mood or behavior
Increasing problems with blood pressure, constipation or incontinence
Greater daytime sleepiness or other sleep problems

Some people may still manage personal activities such as dressing, eating or bathing independently, while others require substantial help.

There is no fixed point at which independence suddenly disappears.

Occupational therapy can help identify ways to make everyday activities safer and easier, while physical therapy can assist with movement, balance and fall prevention.

Speech-language pathologists may help with speech and swallowing problems.

Late-Stage Lewy Body Dementia

During later Lewy body dementia, the person generally requires much more assistance with everyday activities.

According to the National Institute on Aging, people in the later stages may eventually depend entirely on others for care.

Possible changes include:

Severe problems with thinking and communication
Greater confusion and difficulty understanding surroundings
Significant muscle rigidity and reduced mobility
Frequent falls or inability to walk independently
Difficulty transferring between a bed, chair and other positions
Increasing dependence for dressing, bathing and toileting
More frequent bladder or bowel incontinence
Difficulty speaking clearly or speaking very softly
Difficulty chewing or swallowing
Increased choking or aspiration risk
Greater need for help with eating and drinking
Longer periods of sleep or reduced activity
Increasing dependence for medications and other daily needs

Care needs at this point can become substantial.

Equipment, home modifications, professional caregivers or residential care may eventually be needed depending on the person’s circumstances.

Swallowing problems deserve particular attention because food or liquid entering the lungs can lead to serious complications.

A speech-language pathologist can assess swallowing and advise on safer ways to eat and drink.

Palliative care may also become increasingly valuable. Palliative care focuses on comfort, symptoms, quality of life and ensuring that treatment reflects the person’s goals and preferences. It can be introduced alongside other medical treatment and does not need to wait until the final days of life.

Why Lewy Body Dementia Can Be Difficult to Stage

LBD progression is not always a straight downward line.

The Lewy Body Dementia Association describes unpredictable changes in concentration, alertness and attention as a characteristic feature of the disease.

A person might appear much more impaired one afternoon and function considerably better the following morning.

Different symptoms may also progress at different speeds.

For example, one person may develop significant movement problems relatively early while another may have little difficulty with movement for several years.

For this reason, caregivers should look at the person’s overall pattern of function rather than assuming that one particularly difficult day represents a permanent move into a new stage.

Sudden Changes Should Not Automatically Be Blamed on LBD

Although fluctuation is common, a sudden or major deterioration should still be discussed with a healthcare professional.

Infections, pain, dehydration, constipation, medication side effects, sleep problems and other medical conditions can cause sudden confusion or behavioral changes.

The National Institute on Aging advises reporting major changes in function, symptoms or behavior to the person’s doctor.

Some of these causes may be treatable.

An Important Medication Warning With Lewy Body Dementia

People with Lewy body dementia can be unusually sensitive to certain medications.

This is particularly important when hallucinations, delusions or agitation become more prominent.

The Lewy Body Dementia Association warns that some people with LBD can experience severe reactions to antipsychotic medications, including worsening confusion, heavy sedation and increased Parkinson’s-like symptoms.

Traditional antipsychotic medications can be particularly problematic.

Because of these sensitivities, medication choices should be made by a healthcare professional who understands Lewy body dementia.

Do not start, stop or alter prescription medication without discussing it with the person’s doctor.

Planning Care as Lewy Body Dementia Progresses

The amount of support needed usually increases as LBD progresses.

A comprehensive care team may include a primary care physician, neurologist, occupational therapist, physical therapist, speech-language pathologist, mental health professional and other specialists depending on the person’s symptoms.

The National Institute on Aging recommends preparing for future changes before they become urgent.

This may include:

reviewing home safety and fall risks
discussing driving when appropriate
planning for increasing assistance with daily activities
discussing future health care wishes
considering advance directives and health care decision-making arrangements
obtaining appropriate legal and financial advice
identifying home care or residential care options before they are urgently needed

The details of legal documents vary by location, so families should obtain appropriate local professional advice.

When to Contact a Doctor

Contact the person’s healthcare team if there is a significant or sudden change in their condition.

This is particularly important with:

repeated falls or fainting
new difficulty walking
choking or difficulty swallowing
sudden or severe confusion
new or dramatically worsening hallucinations or delusions
significant changes after starting or changing medication
fever or other signs of infection
behavior that places the person or others at risk

A sudden deterioration does not necessarily mean the dementia has rapidly progressed.

Closing Remarks

Understanding Lewy body dementia stages can help families anticipate how care needs may change, but no staging system can precisely predict an individual’s experience.

LBD is particularly variable because thinking, alertness, movement, sleep, behavior and automatic body functions can all change at different rates.

Early in the disease, many people remain relatively independent. As symptoms progress, increasing assistance is usually needed, and in later LBD some people become completely dependent on others for their daily care.

An early and accurate diagnosis is valuable because it allows the person and their family to build an appropriate care team, address medication sensitivities and plan ahead.

There is currently no cure for Lewy body dementia, but some symptoms can be treated or managed and supportive care can help maintain quality of life.

If you or someone you care for is experiencing symptoms of LBD, discuss them with a doctor familiar with dementia.

References and Further Reading

National Institute on Aging. Lewy Body Dementia: Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis.

National Institute on Aging. How Is Lewy Body Dementia Treated and Managed?

Lewy Body Dementia Association. Symptoms of Lewy Body Dementia.

Lewy Body Dementia Association. Treatment Options for LBD.