Decreased knowledge of current and/or recent events.

Denial of symptoms as a defense mechanism is commonly seen in stage 4. Patients who may be in this stage of dementia are encouraged to have a clinical interview with a clinician for proper diagnosis.Īt this stage, individuals may start to become socially withdrawn and show changes in personality and mood. Patients often start to experience mild to moderate anxiety as these symptoms increasingly interfere with day to day life.

Difficulty retaining information read in a book or passage.

Forgetting the names of family members and close friends.

Concern for early onset of dementia should arise with respect to other symptoms.Ĭlear cognitive problems begin to manifest in stage 3. At this stage, signs are still virtually undetectable through clinical testing.

Oftentimes, this mild decline in memory is merely normal age-related cognitive decline, but it can also be one of the earliest signs of degenerative dementia. Forgetting names that were once very familiar.Forgetting where one has placed an object.This stage features occasional lapses of memory most frequently seen in: Stage 2: Age Associated Memory Impairment Stages 1-3 of dementia progression are generally known as 'pre-dementia' stages. At this stage of dementia development, a patient generally does not exhibit any significant problems with memory, or any cognitive impairment.

Stage 1 of dementia can also be classified as the normal functioning stage. The earlier dementia is diagnosed, the sooner treatment can start. Learning about the stages of dementia can help with identifying signs and symptoms early on, as well as assisting sufferers and caretakers in knowing what to expect in further stages. The cognitive decline that accompanies dementia conditions does not happen all at once - the progression of dementia can be divided into seven distinct, identifiable stages. However, with an early diagnosis and proper care, the progression of some forms of dementia can be managed and slowed down. One of the most difficult things to hear about dementia is that, in most cases, dementia is irreversible and incurable.

Age progression chart