Understanding the Stages of Memory Loss and Home Care Options for Seniors with Dementia in Annapolis, MD and Surrounding Areas

By identifying the seven stages of memory loss, you can help your loved one find the right home care option in Annapolis, Millersville, Glen Burnie, Pasadena, Arnold and surrounding Maryland communities to help them manage their dementia

When a loved one gets diagnosed with dementia, it is important to learn about stages of memory loss. This way you will better understand the changes in your parent's behavior and abilities, and you will also be able to look up all the home care options and see which solution suits your and your senior loved one. At Visiting Angels Annapolis, we've provided quality in-home dementia care to seniors throughout Anne Arundel County, so we can help you determine the right time to start researching your options for memory care.

According to Dr. Barry Reisberg of New York University, dementia has seven stages. Here’s what you can expect in each and every one of them.

Stage 1: Normal/No Impairment

During the first stage you won't be able to notice any of the symptoms and your parent's behavior will remain unchanged.

Stage 2: Very Mild/Normal Aged Forgetfulness

In the second stage, your parent will notice that they often cannot remember where they left their keys or some of the names of people in their life.

Stage 3: Mild Cognitive Impairment

In this stage, you will begin to notice some of the signs since your parent's levels of forgetfulness and memory loss will become higher. Planning and organizing things can become challenging, which can be a problem if your parent needs to take several medications throughout the day.

Stage 4: Moderate Dementia

In stage 4, your loved one might require assistance with some of the daily tasks such as cooking, shopping or cleaning. Apart from physical changes, you will notice psychological changes, such as a withdrawal from social situations. Seniors in this stage often have a hard time remembering some of the words, but even though they know their mental facilities are in decline, they refuse to admit it. Therefore, they would rather avoid social contact then allow themselves to misspeak in front of others.

Stage 5: Moderately Severe Dementia

In this stage, your parent will often forget even the most basic information, such as their phone number or the name of their street. Since maintaining their independence is no longer an option, you should consider home care options. Trained caregivers can help your parent pick proper clothes for the weather, prepare nutritious meals and run errands.

Stage 6: Severe Dementia

In the stage 6, your parent will require full-time, which is why it is important that you research home care options on time. They will need help with bathing, dressing and toileting and they can become prone to wandering. Seniors in this stage sometimes even become paranoid and hostile.

Stage 7: Very Severe Dementia

In the final stage seniors lose the ability to speak and communicate, and moving as well as eating becomes very difficult.

Conclusion

If you notice any of these symptoms in your loved senior, contact their doctor so they can get tested. Detecting dementia in its early stage can benefit both you and your loved one, since you will be able to research home care options on time and find the best solution for your aging parent.

At Visiting Angels Annapolis, we can provide the dementia care your loved one needs to manage their symptoms while staying safe and happy in their own home. Contact our Millersville, MD office to learn more.