VISITING ANGELS LONGMONT, CO 303-828-2664
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Understanding the Stages of Memory Loss and When Your Loved One in Longmont, CO Might Need Dementia Care

By identifying the seven stages of memory loss, you can be proactive about finding the right dementia care services in Longmont, Boulder, Louisville and surrounding areas in Colorado for your senior loved one

Before you make any memory care decisions for a loved one in Longmont or surrounding areas in Boulder County, CO with the illness, it is imperative that you have a good understanding of the stages of the condition.

Based on the Reisberg Scale, the stages of dementia include:

Stage 1: Normal/No Impairment

When dementia develops, there are no outward symptoms to observe. The person behaves normally, with no changes in cognitive abilities or mood.

Stage 2: Very Mild/Normal Forgetfulness

In Stage 2, some of the signs of dementia start showing, with the affected person being the one who notices that something is not quite right. Typically, at this point, people forget where they put their car keys or fail to remember names.

Stage 3: Mild Cognitive Impairment

At this point, family and friends start noticing some changes. The symptoms start to show, including higher levels of forgetfulness, difficulties with planning and organization, loss of concentration, higher levels of confusion, and others. In Stage 3, most people consider the idea of dementia, so this is when initial testing occurs.

Stage 4: Moderate Dementia

Stage 4 brings many changes. Daily activities like cooking or cleaning are very difficult to manage without help. Memory loss worsens as well as ability to speak properly and find the right words. Some people are in denial that they have dementia during this stage, also withdrawing in themselves and avoiding any social contact. Diagnoses are accurate in Stage 4, and this is also a time when people start seriously planning for future dementia care.

Stage 5: Moderately Severe Dementia

Stage 5 of dementia is characterized by an inability to remember even basic things, such as home address. When a person enters this stage, they are almost certainly no longer capable of living an independent life and require dementia care and assistance with daily tasks, from bathing to paying bills.

Stage 6: Severe Dementia

In this stage, people with dementia are no longer able to perform even simple daily tasks like dressing. Memory loss intensifies and leads to the person getting lost or wandering outside the home and even forgetting the names of family members. Later in the stage, the person may not be able to speak anymore, making it hard for dementia care providers and family members to properly help them and meet their needs. During this stage, it is also common for the person to become very hostile, aggressive, and paranoid.

Stage 7: Very Severe Dementia

This is the final stage of dementia, when even activities like moving, eating or talking become impossible for the person. Non-stop dementia care is needed as well as support for family members.

Conclusion

As soon as you notice any of the symptoms of dementia, talk to your loved one's medical team about initiating testing. The sooner you know their diagnosis, the easier it will be to plan care for them, whether you choose to act as the primary caregiver, rely on help from family members and friends, or hire professional dementia care providers.

Visiting Angels of Boulder County can provide the care your loved one needs right in their own home. Our caregivers can assist your loved one with everyday tasks, provide much-needed companionship, help them manage their symptoms like memory loss and so much more.

Contact our Longmont, CO office to learn how we can help your loved one today!

Visiting Angels provides in-home memory care services for seniors in Allenspark, Boulder, Eldorado Springs, Erie, Hygiene, Lafayette, Longmont, Louisville, Lyons, Nederland, Niwot, Pinecliff, Ward and the surrounding areas of Boulder County, CO.

Serving Boulder County, including Longmont, Boulder, Louisville, Erie, Lafayette and Surrounding Areas

Visiting Angels LONGMONT, CO
2040 Terry St #106
Longmont, CO 80501
Phone: 303-828-2664

Serving Boulder County, including Longmont, Boulder, Louisville, Erie, Lafayette and Surrounding Areas

Visiting Angels LONGMONT, CO
2040 Terry St #106
Longmont, CO 80501
Phone: 303-828-2664