Understanding the Stages of Memory Loss and When a Loved One in Aspen Hill, MD Will Need Dementia Care

By keeping an eye out for the seven stages of memory loss, families in Aspen Hill, Laurel, Silver Spring and surrounding Maryland communities can help senior loved ones get the dementia care they need

In order to find the best option for your loved one who has been diagnosed with dementia, you first need to understand the stages of memory loss. This way you will be able to understand all the changes your loved one will go through and choose a suitable course of action for your loved one's care.

According to the Reisberg Scale, there are seven stages of dementia that are determined through the use of tests and examinations.

Stage 1: Normal/No Impairment

In the first stage, your loved one will behave perfectly normal and there won't be any noticeable signs of the illness.

Stage 2: Very Mild/Normal Aged Forgetfulness

In the second stage your parent will realize that something is off. They will begin to forget where they left their keys or they won't be able to remember some of the names.

Stage 3: Mild Cognitive Impairment

In stage 3, you and other family members will be able to notice that something is happening with your loved one. They will become more forgetful, they will have a hard time concentrating and will sometimes be confused. In this stage more complex activities that involve planning will become a challenge, which can be a problem if your parent is taking several medications during the day.

Stage 4: Moderate Dementia

Since in this stage you parent might require assistance with daily tasks such as meal preparation or cleaning, it is recommendable to consider dementia care. Your parent's forgetfulness will intensify and they will have a problem with remembering some of the words. This can lead to a withdrawal from social situations.

Stage 5: Moderately Severe Dementia

In stage 5 your loved one will require frequent assistance from a dementia care provider. They won't be able to recall basic information, such as phone numbers or their home address. In addition, they will need assistance with paying the bills or choosing the proper clothes for the weather.

Stage 6: Severe Dementia

In stage 6, full-time dementia care is a must, since your parent will need help with bathing, dressing, and toileting. They will become prone to getting lost and can become increasingly paranoid and hostile.

Stage 7: Very Severe Dementia

In the final stage full-time care is mandatory. For seniors in this stage moving, eating and even talking can be nearly impossible and most of them lose the ability to speak and communicate.

Conclusion

If your loved one shows some of these symptoms, contact their doctor and have them tested. Detecting dementia early on can be very useful in managing the symptoms of the illness and also give you time to plan dementia care.

We've helped many seniors living in Aspen Hill, Laurel, Silver Spring, Bethesda, Colesville and surrounding communities in Maryland get the memory care they need in order to safely and comfortably age in place. We can work with you and your loved one to provide the support they truly need, even as their memory loss progresses.

Contact our Silver Spring, MD office to learn more.