Learn about the four stages of dementia, from mild cognitive impairment to severe dementia, and how symptoms progress at each stage

Stages of Dementia

Dementia is generally categorized into four stages:

Mild Cognitive Impairment: This stage involves general forgetfulness and affects many people as they age. While common, it only progresses to full-blown dementia in some individuals.

Mild Dementia: At this stage, cognitive impairments start to affect daily life. Symptoms include memory loss, confusion, personality changes, occasional disorientation, and difficulty with planning and performing tasks.

Moderate Dementia: Daily activities become increasingly difficult, and individuals may require more assistance. Symptoms are more pronounced compared to the mild stage and may include trouble with personal care tasks, significant personality changes like unprovoked suspicion or agitation, and sleep disturbances.

Severe Dementia: In this advanced stage, symptoms are significantly exacerbated. Communication abilities may be severely impaired, and individuals often need full-time care. Basic tasks, such as sitting up or holding one’s head up, become challenging, and there may be loss of bladder control.

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