Early Stage
Dementia is one of the more debilitating conditions affecting (primarily) the elderly. It is a degenerative condition that affects cognitive, physical and social function. It can be caused by a number of conditions and is often designated by the cause. Alzheimer's, strokes and head trauma are some of the more common conditions responsible for dementia. Though it can be broken into numerous stages, it is often broken down into three broad stages: early, moderate and severe. The early stage of dementia is, unfortunately, difficult to diagnose because the symptoms of dementia at this stage are either common or easily caused by other factors. The symptoms can include forgetfulness, apathy and losing items. It can also include mood swings and difficulty with everyday tasks such as driving. Of course, forgetfulness and apathy can have a negative effect other social activities such as work or hobbies.
Moderate Stage
By the time dementia progresses to the moderate stage, it is more easily identifiable by a physician or family member who knows what symptoms are likely to present themselves. Unlike early-, there are fewer alternate explanations for the range of symptoms. It is at this point that the cognitive decline becomes readily apparent. There may be temporal confusion in which the distinction between past and present becomes blurred and remembered events are superimposed on the present. Events in the present or the recent past may be forgotten entirely. There can be confusion about the identities of family members of close friends. Personal maintenance tasks such as eating meals, bathing and grooming are neglected. Uncharacteristic emotional disturbances may become common. In some instances, there are also hallucinations that manifest as either visual hallucinations or auditory hallucinations.
Severe Stage
The severe stage of dementia can be the most difficult for both the sufferers and their families. By this stage, it is almost always necessary for the sufferer to receive constant in-home supervision or to be placed into a facility such as nursing home or assisted living complex that offers dementia-related services. These facilities can be very expensive, placing them out of reach for many families. The symptoms at this stage are advanced and affect all areas of the sufferer's life. It is common for language skills to deteriorate to the extent that communication is difficult or even impossible. There can be bouts of insomnia. Understanding of the nature of even commonplace items in a home deteriorates. There can be a complete loss of recognition of friends and family members. Physical control deteriorates and can lead to sudden or uncontrolled movement. The sufferer may be easily agitated and can be aggressive at perceived threats. The sufferer will often lose the ability to manage even basic tasks such as using the bathroom or dressing themselves.
End of Life
At the severe stage, it is important to consult regularly with physicians and any medical staff regularly involved with the sufferer's care. Some signs that may indicate that the dementia sufferer is nearing death can include the inability to move unassisted, the need for constant assistance in all activities, and changes or absence of appetite. While the exact timing of a dementia death cannot be predicted, will be able to help family to recognize when the symptoms are indicating that death is near rather than merely worsening.
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