The Caregivers of Visiting Angels of Fresno Are Prepared To Take Care Of Your Loved One With Dementia

Is your loved one showing signs of memory loss, dementia, or Alzheimer’s? The best way to make decisions about their treatment is to understand the stages they are in. Below, we’re going to discuss the seven stages of dementia, what to look for, and how the caregivers at Visiting Angels of Fresno are prepared to help.

Stage 1: Normal/No Impairment

Your loved one’s behavior hasn’t changed, and there are no signs of memory loss or dementia.

Stage 2: Very Mild/Normal Aged Forgetfulness

During stage 2, your loved one may be experiencing mild forgetfulness. The person will begin to notice it happening to themselves during this stage.

Stage 3: Mild Cognitive Impairment

As the illness progresses, friends and family may start to notice the forgetfulness. Your loved one may be dealing with higher levels of anxiety, a loss of concentration, and overall confusion. Stage 3 is usually when Alzheimer’s testing is conducted, so be sure to encourage your loved one to get tested if you witness these symptoms.

Stage 4: Moderate Dementia

Within stage four, the memory loss and forgetfulness worsen. Basic activities like cooking and cleaning as well as communicating clearly may be a challenge. A person may have difficulties accepting their cognitive decline so they may avoid social situations. This stage is often called mild Alzheimer’s disease.

Stage 5: Moderately Severe Dementia

In order to make it through their daily routine, individuals who are in this stage often need assistance. Basic information such as phone numbers, addresses, and schools attended are often unable to be grasped. People who are in this stage could need assistance (for example, from a caregiver) to live an independent life.

Stage 6: Severe Dementia

 During stage 6, the person will need the help of a caregiver from Visiting Angels of Fresno in order to get through their day. The caregiver will need to help with simple tasks such as using the toilet and getting dressed. As issues progress heavily, someone who has severe dementia may go through heavy emotional and behavioral changes. For example, they may become paranoid and hostile.

Stage 7: Very Severe Dementia

During this final stage, tasks such as eating, moving, and talking are going to be near impossible. They will need help from a professional caregiver to get through their day. Some of the symptoms that may occur are a loss of motor control, a loss of awareness of people and surroundings, and a loss of the ability to speak and communicate.

Realizing what stage your loved one is in is the first step to beginning Alzheimer’s treatment. Early detection gives you the time to decide what path of treatment is best for your family and how you can manage the disease. Whether it’s in-home care or the help of friends and family, you can decide what kind of care would work well for your loved one. Please contact the caregivers of Visiting Angels of Fresno to learn more about caring for someone with Alzheimer’s.