There are various stages of dementia that affect cognitive abilities and memory loss in different aspects. They generally vary among individuals who develop this condition. Most typically, the first stage is known as early onset dementia or mild dementia. Advanced dementia may be difficult to control.
Dementia management often begins with proper diagnosis. Dementia assessment is typically conducted by a trained professional. There are early warning signs of this progressive condition, which typically strikes elderly individuals. Early memory loss generally occurs at the onset.
The dementia patient may become forgetful and neglect to perform critical tasks in everyday life. Forgetting important dates, names, or anniversaries may often be a tell-tale sign. Patients in the earliest stages of dementia often find they need organizational aids to help them deal with the condition. Scheduling tools and notebooks can be of help to some individuals.
In the next series of stages of dementia symptoms become more evident to the individual's loved ones and friends. In this stage, an ongoing change in personality may occur. Family members may recognize unusual actions or an inability to perform common tasks efficiently. These changes may include actions that are totally out of character.
In this second stage, the dementia patient may not fully absorb instructions and may need them repeated several times. She may become irritable and agitated more frequently, showing frustration over completing tasks that she once mastered easily. The beginning signs of depression may begin to appear.
The final stage of dementia may be severe enough to cause a major degree of dysfunction in the individual. Cognitive abilities, reasoning, and logic may become severely impaired. The patient's thoughts may be irrational and paranoia and distrust may also be an issue. Most often, the patient cannot perform essential everyday activities, such as using the toilet or feeding herself. In advanced stages of dementia, the patient may neglect personal hygiene and appearance.
As a type of therapy for dementia patients in the early to moderately advanced stages, memory lessons or games may help. Some of these activities may be puzzles or card games. Cognitive reasoning quizzes may also be utilized. These may be performed at home or in a therapy session with a trained professional.
Drug therapy may also be prescribed for dementia patients. Some dementia medications have side effects and patients may be at risk for complications. Patients who have heart conditions may not be suitable for certain drugs used for treating symptoms of dementia.