Symptoms of the Three Stages of Dementia

Many diseases are associated with dementia. Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, Parkinson's disease and others cause cognitive impairment and behavioral symptoms. Dementia is characterized by the significant impairment of two or more brain functions, such as memory, language skills, perception, reasoning or judgment in someone who is conscious.

The three stages of Alzheimer's disease provide a rough sketch of disease progression that shares features of all the dementias:

Mild dementia is characterized by...

• Difficulty remembering names, although faces are recognized.
• Asking the same question again after it was just asked.
• Difficulty finding the right words to communicate.
• Difficulty with tasks, such as balancing a checkbook or remembering to take medicine.
• Lapses in judgment.

Moderate dementia is characterized by...

• Difficulty naming common objects.
• Difficulty expressing needs and desires.
• A tendency to get lost when away from home.
• Personality and behavior changes.
• Failure to recognize children.
• Disorientation about place and time.

Advanced dementia is characterized by...

• Difficulty operating familiar equipment, such as a stove or a car.
• Difficulty with self-care and may need help with personal hygiene and dressing.
• Trouble with eating, swallowing, walking and sitting.
• Failure to recognize close family members or speak to them.
• Hallucinations or delusions.

People with Alzheimer's dementia live for eight to 10 years on average after they are diagnosed, but can live as long as 20 more years.

A note on delirium: Delirium can be confused with dementia. It is important to recognize the difference between the two, because delirium often has an underlying, treatable medical cause.

In the Encyclopedia:

Dementia

Common Causes Of Dementia:

	Alzheimer's disease
	Vascular dementia
	Parkinson's disease
	Lewy body dementia

This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.