Dementia itself is not a disease, but rather a more general term for cognitive impairment which can become more common as people get older. Dementia ranges from being completely symptomless but having minor changes in brain function, to being debilitating and requiring round-the-clock care. If you have a loved one who has been diagnosed with dementia it is important to know what to expect, the stages of dementia, and how their care needs may change over time. At Little Croft Care Home, we can help you every step of the way to access care needs and offer advice when needed.
What Causes Dementia
Dementia is caused by damage to brain cells which makes it harder for impulses to move across the brain to where they need to be, which can affect thinking, behaviour and feelings.
The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s is caused by a build-up of protein plaques and tangles within the brain. In a brain with Alzheimer’s, plaques of beta-amyloid 42 can be found which is, although naturally occurring in the body, toxic in larger concentrations. These plaques build up between neurons and disrupt cell function.
Neurofibrillary tangles are also found in a brain with Alzheimer’s. These are made from a build-up of the protein tau which collects inside the neurons. Healthy neurons are supported by microtubules which help to guide nutrients around the neuron. In healthy neurons, tau is naturally produced to stabilise these microtubules, but in an Alzheimer’s patient chemical changes cause tau to detach from the microtubules and become tangled with each other, these tangles disrupt the neuron’s transport system and harm communication between neurons.
Dementia can also be caused by vascular problems; mini-strokes and blockages in blood vessels can starve the brain of blood and this can cause important cells to die.
There are several other researched causes of dementia, but the symptoms and stages tend to follow a similar pattern.
Stage One – No Impairment
In the first stage of dementia, the patient will have no noticeable cognitive issues. There will be no out-of-the-ordinary behavioural changes, extreme feelings or forgetfulness. At this stage, changes in the brain may be taking place with neurons dying out, but it can take years for this to become noticeable.
Stage Two – Minor Impairment
A medical exam would be unable to confirm dementia at this stage. This is when dementia symptoms will start becoming more apparent but may be likely to just be brushed off as general forgetfulness. It can be difficult to tell the difference at this stage between dementia and the normal forgetfulness that comes with ageing and the shrinking of the brain.
Stage Three – Mild Cognitive Decline
This is the stage where memory impairments become noticeable, and the following may be observable to the person suffering from dementia’s family:
- Losing valuable or important items
- Difficulty retaining new material (such as what’s happening in a film or book)
- Forgetting the names of people they’ve just met
- Struggling verbally during a conversation
- Trouble concentrating
- Difficulty with organisation
- Trouble following directions
- Time management becomes difficult
Dementia cannot be properly diagnosed during this stage, but it is important to recognise the symptoms to keep your loved one as safe as possible in their day-to-day lives. The length of stage three is case-dependent and can last without the need for intervention for years.
Stage Four – Moderate Cognitive Decline
Stage four, moderate cognitive decline, is also referred to as “mild dementia.” At this stage, the previously mentioned symptoms are more prevalent, and dementia can be officially diagnosed by a healthcare professional.
At stage four it becomes more difficult for someone living with dementia to live independently as it may be a struggle to sort finances, and travelling, especially to unfamiliar areas, becomes more risky and confusing.
Anxiety can become more prevalent during this stage, if you have a loved one suffering from dementia you may notice that they start to withdraw from social interactions. This can be down to forgetting the history, names, or previous encounters with people.
At this stage denial is also common, your loved one may not want to receive help or believe they can handle things by themselves. At Little Croft Care Home, we have well-trained and empathetic carers able to help assist those suffering from mild dementia. The length of stage four is once again relative but usually lasts around two years.
Stage Five – Moderate Dementia
This is the stage where extra care and assistance will be needed to live safely. Stage five is characterised by major memory issues, such as forgetting their phone number or family details.
A person with moderate dementia will have declined motor skills and may need assistance with dressing themselves, washing, and many household chores. The timeline of stage five varies but often lasts around a year and a half.
Stage Six – Severe Cognitive Decline
Severe cognitive decline, or middle dementia as it is otherwise known, is a period where a high level of care is needed to complete daily activities. At this stage, someone suffering from dementia will struggle with the names of their close family and have very little recollection of recent events. Incontinence can also become an issue, as well as communication and trouble controlling emotions. This stage of dementia can often last between two and three years.
Stage Seven – Severe Dementia
At stage seven the individual suffering from dementia will no longer be able to communicate effectively and be confused by their surroundings. Assistance will be needed for most daily activities. 24-hour care is required for individuals with severe dementia and this stage can last for upwards of two years.
Having a loved one suffering from dementia can be a difficult, confusing and scary time. At Little Croft Care Home, we understand the toll this can have on families and are here to help. We have several care options such as residential care where we can make sure your loved one can live as independently as is safe to do so, and ensure their care plan is kept up to date. We also offer respite care if you intend to look after your loved one yourself but need a short amount of time to deal with your responsibilities or have some time off. We are also a phone call away should any advice or support be needed.