Understanding Levels of Dementia

The progression of dementia can be explained when visualized like a flight of steps leading to the basement. Our duty as dementia rehab specialists or even more importantly a close family member is to keep the patient on their current step as long as possible by stimulating abilities he/ she still uses. Is this possible? Yes it is. It is not possible to cure the disease, but it is possible to dramatically slow it down. Step #6: Normal Abilities (you or I on a good day :) Step #5: Mild Impairments - can be due to illness/normal aging. This level forgets details; forgets where they parked their car frequently; forgets names of acquaintances; house isn't as neat as it used to be; forget ingredients in familiar recipes. Step #4: The Talkers - The longer a person is on this step... the more they talk! Talk and talk and talk and talk - you can barely get a word in the conversation. When he/she is on this step for awhile, they start using primarily those things that catch his/her attention (bright colors or things they see in a mirror). Often fix the front of his/her hair, but not the back...often will tell you they must use their walker, but then they don't. A big difference between what he/she tells you they need to do and what they actually do. Step #3: The Walkers - Although he/she begins talking significantly less, unfortunately all kinds of behaviors begin. Things like yelling, pinching, spitting, hitting, aimless walking, and the worst behavior of all (at least the most dangerous for the patient) is withdrawal (often he/she sit with his/her eyes closed, but he/she isn't sleeping). Eating often declines in this stage. Step #2: The Feelers - He/she speaks in 1-2 word phrases and usually only when spoken to first. In this stage the patient does whatever "feels good"...they seek circumstances that make them feel comfy. Step #1: The Sleeper - He/she interacts very little with their environment. He/she gives eye contact when spoken to and may reach for shiny/bright objects.

The important thing to remember with all of these steps is the behaviors, appetite decline, etc are treatable. I can help you figure out things to do with him/her to help them feel safe, be healthy, and most importantly delay the progression of the disease. Ask me questions on this blog and let's share our stories.