Understanding Dementia Stages: Early, Middle & Late Phases

Dementia is the progressive loss of cognitive ability. It is caused by Alzheimer's Disease, as well as other diseases and health conditions. While some health-care professionals identify several different stages and sub-stages of dementia, it is most easily broken into three phases: early, middle and late.

Early Phase

• Long-term care expert Stella Henry, author of "The Eldercare Handbook," states that the early phase is hardest for the patient because she is struggling to come to terms with the disease. (Ref. 2.)

Behaviors

• While she can still care for herself with few problems, the patient may be depressed, exhibit personality changes, and have trouble working with numbers. (Ref. 1.)

Middle Phase

• The middle phase, according to Henry, is harder on the caregiver. By this point, the patient's cognitive ability is very impaired, and he becomes more dependent. (Ref. 2.)

Behaviors

• The patient is much more confused, may not know what day it is, may leave pots boiling on the stove and become a danger to himself. He requires greater supervision. (Ref. 1.)

Late Phase

• Henry states that the late phase is hardest on the primary decision-maker. At this point, the caregiver must act on behalf of the patient to put end-of-life wishes into effect. (Ref. 2.)

Behaviors

• At this point, the patient has virtually no memory, may be incontinent and unable to walk. She will likely need help with all daily personal care, such as washing, dressing and toileting. (Ref. 1.)