For each person, dementia can progress differently. Some people maintain certain skills while others might struggle in those areas. For all, although the rate of change can vary, symptoms will get worse over time.
The areas most often affected by dementia include memory, language, attention, perception, judgement and personality. Each form of dementia starts with different symptoms and can progress in varying ways.
If you are noticing changes in person’s cognitive ability, it is important to talk with your doctor. Figuring out the type of dementia will help with understanding the changes and knowing how to respond.
In general, the mild stage of dementia is filled with recognizing the symptoms, getting a diagnosis, and making initial plans and adjustments.
In the middle stage, symptoms are becoming more pronounced. The person might be needing more assistance with daily tasks.
By the later stage, the person moves from needing just assistance with tasks to having complete help.
Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease – From the National Institute on Aging