A dementia diagnosis can be frightening for both the person receiving it and their family and friends. It signifies that a major life change is coming, and family and caregivers need to be prepared in order to navigate the change with confidence and calmness. Terra Vista is here to help – explore this comprehensive guide to dementia education for caregivers from our expert memory care staff.
What Is Dementia?
Dementia is a general term for a loss of memory, language, problem-solving, and other cognitive abilities. These losses interfere significantly with daily life, and seniors who are diagnosed with dementia often have their needs best met in a special memory care community. Memory care communities provide the proper support, enrichment, and therapies needed for a high quality of life.
Whether you’re planning on having your senior loved one with dementia live in a memory care community or live with you to age in place, it’s important to know the ins and outs of their diagnosis so you can best care for them.
What Are the Types of Dementia?
Dementia is a general term, and there are actually several different types of dementia that your senior loved one may be diagnosed with. Here are the main types of dementia that caregivers should be familiar with when it comes to this diagnosis.
- Alzheimer’s disease: Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder that slowly erodes memory and thinking skills.
- Vascular dementia: Vascular dementia is a decline in thinking skills that’s caused by conditions that reduce or block blood flow to certain regions of the brain.
- Dementia with Lewy bodies: This type of dementia is progressive and leads to a decline in thinking, reasoning, and independent functioning.
- Frontotemporal dementia: This type of dementia is a group of disorders that’s caused by progressive nerve cell loss in the brain, which leads to memory loss.
- Mixed dementia: This is a condition where brain changes that are associated with multiple types of dementia that are happening at the same time.
- Huntington’s disease: This is a disease that causes changes in the brain and a decline in mood, cognitive skills, and movement.
- Normal pressure hydrocephalus: This type of dementia is a brain disorder where excess cerebrospinal fluid in the brain’s ventricles causes a decline in cognitive and physical abilities.
The 7 Stages of Dementia: What to Know
Dementia doesn’t happen all at once – more often than not, it’s a progressive decline of cognitive and physical abilities. There are typically seven stages, which include:
No to Little Dementia
Stage 1: Normal Outward Behavior
During this stage, you won’t notice any changes in your loved one and there will be no impact on quality of life for them. However, it’s important to continue to watch for more signs and progression.
Stage 2: Very Mild Changes
In stage two, you may notice very subtle day-to-day changes. These include difficulties finding the right word or substituting a word due to memory issues. Normal functioning continues in this stage. As a caregiver, you should continue to look for changes or progression.
Stage 3: Mild Changes
In stage three you’ll begin to notice mild changes. These include signs of forgetfulness, like misplacing items, as well as trouble finding the right words, remembering names, taking medicines, or paying attention. This can lead to difficulties at home and work, and as a caregiver you should step in to assist with day-to-day tasks that your loved one is having trouble with.
Early-Stage Dementia
Stage 4: Moderate Changes
Stage four is when you’ll start to notice more significant memory and cognitive loss. Your loved one may begin to forget familiar words and names, lose items, make mistakes in everyday tasks, and feel uncomfortable in unfamiliar places. As a caregiver, you should ensure they have help with driving and everyday tasks and start to plan for late-stage dementia.
Mid-Stage Dementia
Stage 5: Moderately Severe Changes
During this stage of dementia, your loved one may have trouble remembering their past and might experience personality changes, mood swings, confusion, and difficulties with everyday tasks like eating or using the bathroom. Incontinence can also become an issue. Caregivers should ensure that they’re patient with repeated questions and confusion, as well as lend assistance with eating and bathroom needs.
Stage 6: Moderately Severe Dementia
In this stage, it’s likely that your loved one won’t remember much of their past. Stage six can lead to wandering, confusion, trouble sleeping, difficulty speaking, and a need for 24-hour care and support. During this stage caregivers should be prepared to offer around-the-clock support. It’s also important to foster cognitive connection with music, stories, and other sensory stimulation.
Late-Stage Dementia
Stage 7: Severe Dementia
During late-stage dementia, your loved one will likely not remember their past or recognize loved ones at all. 24-hour care is a must during this stage as your loved one will not be able to make healthcare decisions. They may not be able to speak, walk, swallow, or sit up without help, and may have loss of muscle, bladder, and bowel control. Caregivers should be prepared for around-the-clock care and having to assist with basic everyday activities.
Find Dementia Support at Terra Vista
Whether you have questions about your loved one’s dementia diagnosis or are seeking support for them, Terra Vista can help. Contact our team of expert advisors today and let us help you walk this stage of life with the support you need.
