How Do You Know If It’s Dementia Or Alzheimer’s

What Are The 7 Stages Of Dementia

Dementia is a broad term used to describe a decline in mental ability. This can be due to a variety of different causes, but the result is typically an impairment in memory, communication, and other cognitive skills.

There are seven recognized stages of dementia, each with its own set of symptoms and challenges. This is known as the Global Deterioration Scale .

The seven Clinical Stages of Alzheimers disease, also known as the Global Deterioration Scale , was developed by Dr. Barry Reisberg, Director of the Fisher Alzheimers Disease Education and Research program at NYU Grossman School of Medicine.

Fisher Center for Alzheimers

These stages range from mild to severe, and the progression of dementia can vary greatly from one person to the next.

Stage 1: The early stages of dementia can be deceptively normal. Patients may seem fine, able to care for themselves and others as they always have. They dont struggle in any part of their everyday lives. But beneath the surface, small changes are happening.

Some of the early signs of dementia include:

• trouble recalling events or names of familiar people.
• withdrawing from social activities.
• changes in mood.
• confusion about time and place

If you notice these changes in someone you know, its important to encourage them to see a doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment of dementia can help delay the progression of the disease and improve the quality of life for patients and their families.

Maintain Regular Veterinary Checkups:

Older cats need regular care to continue to age well. Veterinary medicine is advancing rapidly in the field of geriatric medicine, and you may be surprised at how well your vet can help your pet.

There is no doubt: cats with dementia represent special needs cats. We know, however, that there is great reward in caring for the least of these, even if it is just a cat.

While your furry angel may require you to make a couple of accommodations, there is no doubt the reward of helping a cat live well into advanced age is great. Dont forget to enlist the aid of a veterinary ally you trust: this person will have the knowledge you need to make the best decisions for your cat.

The Seven Stages Of Dementia

One of the most difficult things to hear about dementia is that, in most cases, dementia is irreversible and incurable. However, with an early diagnosis and proper care, the progression of some forms of dementia can be managed and slowed down. 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.

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 earlier dementia is diagnosed, the sooner treatment can start.

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How Does A Person With Dementia See The World

People with dementia often see the world differently than people without dementia. They may have trouble understanding what they see and may see things that are not really there.

What family caregivers need to understand is that this is not due to a change in their ocular vision. . The change is in their brain and how their brain is processing the information that their eyes are sending to it.

A person with dementia may also have visuospatial difficulties, when the brain has problems processing information about 3D objects. This can affect a persons spatial awareness or the ability to judge distances. They may have difficulties using stairs, parking a car or recognising objects.

I remember treating many, many seniors with these visuospatial difficulties. Unfortunately, it does get worse as the dementia gets worse.

Here are some examples of these problems:

• They may have trouble seeing objects that are far away. Or, they may see objects that are close up as being very large.
• They may see things that are not really there. This is called a visual hallucination. A person with dementia may see a person or an animal or even an object that is not there.
• They may not be able to tell the difference between a door and a window, or a person and a chair.
• They may not be able to perceive colors and light.
• They may begin having eye to hand coordination. This can make it difficult to eat, to button their shirt, etc.

Common Early Symptoms Of Dementia

Different types of dementia can affect people differently, and everyone will experience symptoms in their own way.

However, there are some common early symptoms that may appear some time before a diagnosis of dementia. These include:

• difficulty concentrating
• finding it hard to carry out familiar daily tasks, such as getting confused over the correct change when shopping
• struggling to follow a conversation or find the right word
• being confused about time and place

These symptoms are often mild and may get worse only very gradually. It’s often termed “mild cognitive impairment” as the symptoms are not severe enough to be diagnosed as dementia.

You might not notice these symptoms if you have them, and family and friends may not notice or take them seriously for some time. In some people, these symptoms will remain the same and not worsen. But some people with MCI will go on to develop dementia.

Dementia is not a natural part of ageing. This is why it’s important to talk to a GP sooner rather than later if you’re worried about memory problems or other symptoms.

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Dementia In Cats: Symptoms Diagnosis & Treatment

Thanks to the advent of modern medicine, cats are living longer than ever. One of the challenges that comes with being the guardian of an elderly feline companion is feline cognitive dysfunction, otherwise known as feline dementia.

Similar to Alzheimers disease in humans, feline cognitive dysfunction can cause senior cats to experience disorientation, cognitive decline, disruption of the regular sleep-wake cycle, changes in social interaction, and more.

If you are caring for an aging cat, then here is everything you need to know about feline dementia.

Can Alzheimer’s Disease Be Prevented

As the exact cause of Alzheimer’s disease is not clear, there’s no known way to prevent the condition.

But there are things you can do that may reduce your risk or delay the onset of dementia, such as:

• staying physically fit and mentally active

These measures have other health benefits, such as lowering your risk of cardiovascular disease and improving your overall mental health.

Read more about preventing Alzheimer’s disease.

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Stage : Mild Cognitive Impairment

Clear cognitive problems begin to manifest in stage 3. A few signs of stage 3 dementia include:

• Getting lost easily
• Noticeably poor performance at work
• Forgetting the names of family members and close friends
• Difficulty retaining information read in a book or passage
• Losing or misplacing important objects
• Difficulty concentrating

Patients often start to experience mild to moderate anxiety as these symptoms increasingly interfere with day to day life. Patients who may be in this stage of dementia are encouraged to have a clinical interview with a clinician for proper diagnosis.

A Failing Sense Of Direction

A persons sense of direction and spatial orientation commonly starts to get worse with the onset of dementia. They may have difficulty recognizing once-familiar landmarks and forget how to get to familiar places they used to have no trouble finding.

It may also become more difficult to follow a series of directions and step-by-step instructions.

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What Causes Alzheimers Disease

Several theories have been proposed as to what causes Alzheimers disease. Among them, the most widely accepted is that two abnormal structures called plaque and tangles accumulate in brain cells and lead to neuronal cell damage.

• Neuritic plaques: Deposits of an abnormal protein called beta-amyloid that build up in the spaces outside the nerve cells.
• Neurofibrillary tangles: Twisted fibers of another protein called tau protein that accumulate inside cells. The severity of dementia is directly proportional to the deposition of neurofibrillary tangles.

Many studies have shown that these abnormal proteins play a critical role in blocking communication among nerve cells and disrupting the cells survival processes.

Nerve cell death progressively causes memory failure, personality changes, and difficulty carrying out daily activities.

Struggling To Adapt To Change

For someone in the early stages of dementia, the experience can cause fear. Suddenly, they cant remember people they know or follow what others are saying. They cant remember why they went to the store, and they get lost on the way home.

Because of this, they might crave routine and be afraid to try new experiences. Difficulty adapting to change is also a typical symptom of early dementia.

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How To Spot The First Early Signs Of Dementia And What Can You Do About The Symptoms

A decline in sensory functions can often be an early sign of Alzheimers. Hence, its important to lower your risk of dementia by looking out for such conditions.

Its well known that memory loss and confusion are a sign of dementia. But scientists are discovering that other subtle and perhaps surprising signs can herald the onset of the disease.

These smaller and quieter signs occur in our daily lives, making them fairly easy to identify – if you know what to look out for. With our senses being linked to the brain, it’s not surprising that occurrences, such as those relating to our eyesight or hearing, could be signs of early dementia.

It’s important to make a note of these seemingly small things as they could be huge tell-tale signs. However, it is also key to understand that some of these changes, such as mood or occasional moments of forgetfulness, can simply be signs of old age – which are not as concerning.

Read below for the quiet, early signs of dementia for which you should be keeping an eye out and some advice on how to prevent their progression.

How Do You Know If Your Senior Cat Has Dementia

Feline dementia usually causes behavioral changes. Symptoms of feline dementia include appearing confused and trapped in corner, inappropriate urination or defecation outside the litter tray, being asleep and awake at different times, increased vocalization in the form of meowing or yowling vocalizing, increased matting and grooming less, decreased responsiveness, increased fearfulness or aggression, hiding more, not enjoying activities previously engaged, such as playing, pouncing, or hunting, forgetting any previous training, sleeping more, or pacing or wandering aimlessly or getting lost. Weight loss and loss of appetite can also be associated with feline dementia. If you suspect your cat has feline dementia, consult with your veterinarian.

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Women Might Be At Higher Risk

Age is the major risk factor for Alzheimers disease, and women on average live longer than men.

However, longevity alone does not fully explain why two-thirds of Alzheimers patients are women. Even after taking into account the difference in longevity, some studies have suggested that women are still at a higher risk.

What Is Known About Alzheimers Disease

Scientists do not yet fully understand what causes Alzheimers disease. There likely is not a single cause but rather several factors that can affect each person differently.

• Age is the best known risk factor for Alzheimers disease.
• Family historyresearchers believe that genetics may play a role in developing Alzheimers disease. However, genes do not equal destiny. A healthy lifestyle may help reduce your risk of developing Alzheimers disease. Two large, long term studies indicate that adequate physical activity, a nutritious diet, limited alcohol consumption, and not smoking may help people. To learn more about the study, you can listen to a short podcast.
• Changes in the brain can begin years before the first symptoms appear.
• Researchers are studying whether education, diet, and environment play a role in developing Alzheimers disease.
• There is growing scientific evidence that healthy behaviors, which have been shown to prevent cancer, diabetes, and heart disease, may also reduce risk for subjective cognitive decline. Heres 8 ways.

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Dementia Can Severely Impede Communication

People with dementia often have difficulty finding the right word, which can be frustrating for both them and their loved ones. However, it is important to be patient and understand that this is a common symptom of the condition.

Dementia is a degenerative disease that affects the brain, and can cause problems with thinking, memory, and speech. As the disease progresses, patients can experience a decline in their ability to communicate.

There are a few things to keep in mind when trying to communicate with a dementia patient.

• Its important to be patient and understanding.
• Try to focus on simple words and phrases.
• Be prepared for the conversation to take some unexpected turns.
• Go with the flow of your senior loved ones train of thought.
• Avoid correcting them or bringing them to reality. What they are saying and thinking IS their reality.

With a little patience and understanding, you can still have meaningful conversations with your loved one, even if they are living with dementia.

Stages Of Alzheimers Disease

Some features of Alzheimers disease are commonly classified into three stages, or phases. Not all these features will be present in every person, and they might occur at different stages.

Mild Alzheimers disease

Sometimes this stage is only apparent in hindsight. The onset of Alzheimers disease is usually gradual and it is often impossible to identify exactly when it began.

Someone might:

• have difficulty shopping or preparing meals.

Moderate Alzheimers disease

At this stage, the impacts of the condition are more apparent and prevalent. A person may experience significant challenges to their independence and require daily support.

Someone might:

• be forgetful of current and recent events, although generally remember the distant past, even if details may be forgotten or confused
• often be confused regarding time and place
• become lost more easily
• forget the names of family or friends, or confuse family members
• forget saucepans or kettles left heating on the stove
• be less able to perform simple calculations
• show poor judgement and make poor decisions
• see or hear things that are not there or become suspicious of others

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Should You Remind Someone They Have Dementia

The answer to this question really depends on the person with dementia, the stage they are in and the circumstances. So, the short answer could be maybe.

I personally never reminded or spoke to my patients or any family member with dementia about the disease. My personal opinion is that if they ask questions about it or want to talk about it then I would certainly answer, but otherwise, what was the point of bringing it up?

I kept the content of our conversations focused on whatever my patient / loved one wanted to talk about.

But I understand that it can be difficult to know how to act around someone with dementia. You might feel like you need to treat them differently or tiptoe around them, but thats not necessarily the case.

In fact, I do believe that many people with dementia appreciate being treated the same as everyone else.

Of course, there are certain things you should keep in mind when interacting with someone with dementia.

While theres no one-size-fits-all approach to interacting with someone with dementia, there are some general guidelines you can follow. By keeping these in mind, you can help make the experience more positive for both you and the person with dementia.

Symptoms Of Alzheimers Disease

Mild

• Problems recognizing friends and family
• Impulsive behavior

• Trouble following instructions or learning new information
• Hallucination or delusions

Typical age of diagnosis for Alzheimers disease: Mid-60s and above, with some cases in mid-30s to 60s

Typical age of diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia: Between 45 and 64

Typical age of diagnosis of Lewy body dementia: 50 or older

Typical age of diagnosis of vascular dementia: Over 65

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Stage : Moderately Severe Dementia

When the patient begins to forget the names of their children, spouse, or primary caregivers, they are most likely entering stage 6 of dementia and will need full time care. In the sixth stage, patients are generally unaware of their surroundings, cannot recall recent events, and have skewed memories of their personal past. Caregivers and loved ones should watch for:

• Delusional behavior

When To Contact A Doctor

A person who experiences any of these symptoms or notices them in a loved one should speak with a medical professional.

According to the Alzheimers Association, it is a myth that cognitive functioning always worsens as a person gets older. While minor forgetfulness can be a normal part of the aging process, if symptoms start to affect a persons everyday life, they may be serious. Signs of cognitive decline may signal dementia or another illness for which doctors can provide support.

Although there is no cure for dementia yet, a doctor can help slow the progression of the disease and ease the symptoms. This can improve a persons quality of life.

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How Do You Know When An Alzheimer’s Patient Is Dying

In the final stages of Alzheimers disease, neuronal damage and muscle weakness cause patients to lose the ability to coordinate even simple movements. Eventually, they are unable to walk, communicate, control bladder or bowel movements, or feed themselves without significant assistance and careful supervision.

Signs that a patient with Alzheimer’s disease is close to the end of their life include:

• Inability to speak
• Inability to eat or drink because they cant swallow
• Inability to move from a bed to a chair or change their position
• Bedsores or pressure ulcers caused by sitting or lying in the same position for too long
• Unprovoked seizures
• Cold hands, feet, arms, and legs
• Sleeping for longer periods of time
• Breathing changes such as shallow breaths or periods without breathing for a few seconds

The final stages of Alzheimer’s disease can be emotionally and physically challenging, not only for patients, but also for their family members and caregivers.