Understanding the Stages of Memory Loss and the Right Time to Look into Dementia Care Options in Westminster, CO
These seven stages of memory loss can help you determine when your loved one should get tested for dementia and find dementia care options in Westminster, CO and surrounding areas
If your loved one has been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer's, it is important you understand all the stages of the disease, so you can choose the most effective dementia care solution in Westminster and surrounding areas in Colorado and improve your parent's quality of life.
Based on the Reisberg Scale there are seven stages, and a doctor will determine what stage your loved one is in through the use of tests and examinations.
Stage 1: Normal/No Impairment
During the first stage, your loved one won't show any symptoms of the illness and their behavior will be completely unchanged.
Stage 2: Very Mild/Normal Aged Forgetfulness
In the second stage, a person notices that they don't remember names as well as they used to or keeps forgetting where they left their keys. Seniors often believe that this happens because of their age.
Stage 3: Mild Cognitive Impairment
In the third stage, friends and family begin to notice that their loved one is forgetting things more often. More complex tasks that involve planning become challenging, which can be a problem if a senior needs to keep up with their medication schedule. During the third stage your parent can become anxious and more confused.
Stage 4: Moderate Dementia
If your loved one is in this stage, considering dementia care services should be your next move. Seniors in the fourth stage are not able to manage everyday tasks on their own and need assistance with cooking, shopping, and cleaning. Many people have a problem with finding the right words and their issues with memory loss get even worse. In this stage seniors also start to withdraw themselves from social situations because they would rather be by themselves than find themselves in a situation where they will forget someone's name.
Stage 5: Moderately Severe Dementia
In this stage a person needs a higher level of dementia care in order to make it through their daily activities. They start forgetting basic information about their life, such as their phone number or what the name of their school was. Some seniors in this stage are no longer able to maintain their independence and require assistance in a variety of areas.
Stage 6: Severe Dementia
Seniors in stage 6 require full-time care and assistance with dressing, bathing and toileting. They become prone to wandering or getting lost and forget the names of their loved ones. Individuals afflicted with severe dementia can even become paranoid and hostile which makes meeting their care needs even more difficult.
Stage 7: Very Severe Dementia
During the final stage of dementia moving, eating and talking becomes almost impossible for some people. Seniors lose their ability to control their facial expressions and stop being aware of people and surroundings.
Conclusion
If you notice that your loved one is showing some of these symptoms, contact their doctor to begin the process of testing. Detecting dementia early on can help your parent and give you time to consider what kind of care would suit their needs.
If your loved one wishes to age in place despite having dementia, Visiting Angels can help. We've provided quality in-home dementia care services to seniors for many years. Our caregivers can help your loved one with everyday tasks, help them manage their symptoms, provide meaningful companionship and support and so much more.
Contact our Westminster, CO office to learn more.