What is dementia? Dementia is an overarching term to describe a progressive disease that affects ones overall cognitive function, especially in the area of memory loss. Currently there are over 170 irreversible dementias, with the most common ones being Alzheimer’s, Vascular, Lewy Body, and Frontotemporal. Each of these have specific characteristics that differentiate one from another, with some aspects that are common in each. There are some types of dementia that are treatable. That does not mean there isn’t dementia present, but with treatment the symptoms being exhibited can improve. Dehydration, Urinary Tract Infections, Thyroid Disorders, and drug interactions are some conditions that can increase dementia symptoms, yet with appropriate treatment those symptoms can improve.
Dementia is not a normal part of the aging process. It is also not only about memory loss. In fact, Frontotemporal dementia is not even considered to be a memory disorder. It is characterized more as a gradual progressive decline in behavior, language, and motor function.
It is easiest to think of dementia in stages, Early, Mid, and Late stage. People can often fluctuate between these stages, having good days and bad. You might hear a person with dementia described as being early to mid-stage, or mid to late-stage. That is because one day they may be considered mid stage, and the next day they may have a better day and would be considered early stage. This is normal with dementia.
Early Stage – People in this stage can still function independently for the most part. There may be some memory lapses, but this is commonly attributed to something other than dementia. The symptoms in the early stage are often not apparent to others. Family members may see some signs but aren’t usually thinking it is dementia. Frequently, by the time someone actually receives a dementia diagnosis, they are already at the mid stage.
Mid Stage – In this stage the person with dementia has greater difficulty communicating verbally. They have increased forgetfulness and confusion. They can begin to get frustrated and even angry when trying to do something. They may behave out of character and lose their social “filter” by saying or doing things that are out of character for them. They start requiring more cueing and prompting to accomplish things.
End, or Late stage – In this stage the person loses their ability to respond to their environment. Not knowing to put a coat on before going outside during winter, or not recognizing the stove is hot. They have greater difficulty with communicating. Sometimes in the later stage they will lose the ability to communicate in complete sentences,resulting in “word salad”. They are using words, but the words don’t go together to form a sentence. They can also lose the ability to speak altogether, just saying gibberish. Their primary means of communication at this point is often through behavior, but it can sometimes be difficult to determine what they are trying to communicate through their behavior. In this stage the person is usually requiring 24/7 care.
Dementia is not something that can be neatly wrapped up and explained as being the same for every person. Each person will progress through the disease differently and at a different pace. The fact that no two people are the same can make dealing with dementia a significant challenge.
To learn more about dementia and to get helpful tips and support from others that are walking the dementia journey with a loved one, please join our Dementia Education and Support Group. We meet the 4th Thursday of each month at 6:30pm in the Eureka Public Library Community Room.
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