Understanding The Stages Of Dementia And How Memory Care Helps

As per reports, millions are suffering from dementia in the US alone. With Alzheimer’s being its most prominent cause, it mainly affects the population aged 65+. Marked by a progressive decline in cognitive abilities, it impacts one’s memory, thinking, reasoning, and daily functioning. Broadly, this memory impairment is divided into three categories, i.e., early stage, middle stage, and late stage, each carrying significant challenges for the affected individual. For this, Dementia Care in San Diego proves efficacious, providing the required support and care to the affected individuals. Here’s a blog highlighting different stages of dementia along with the role of memory care in each phase.

Early Stage (Mild Dementia)

Marked by symptoms like mild memory loss, trouble communicating, difficulty with spatial and visual abilities, and probable personality changes, comes the first stage of dementia. At times, the individual affected may even have problems with reasoning, problem-solving, elevated anxiety and aggression. While individuals with mild dementia may continue to live independently, they may require assistance at times with certain tasks like managing finances or remembering appointments.

Role Of Memory Care: As the earliest stage of dementia, it doesn’t require the assistance of memory care; choosing it for rehabilitation may be necessary for early intervention and support. Opting for it helps individuals slow down the rate of dementia progression and helps them maintain their independence. By facilitating social interaction, memory aids, and brain-boosting activities, memory care aims to reduce the rate of cognitive decline in individuals with dementia.

Middle Stage (Moderate Dementia)

The moderate stage of dementia, as characterized by increased memory loss, difficulties with daily tasks like dressing and bathing, and potential behavioral changes such as confusion, agitation, and wandering, brings its share of new challenges for both the patient and the caretakers as well. The rate of cognitive and functional decline increases a lot. Because of this, the individuals begin to need more assistance with daily living and accordingly require a structured environment for safety and supervision.

Role Of Memory Care: In this stage, the cruciality of a memory care facility rises a lot. Different provisions are made with a view to stimulating cognitive functioning in those with cognitive decline. The structured support, safe environment, and personalized care plans promote well-being for every resident, assisting them in coping with their unique challenges that they might be facing.

Late Stage (Severe Dementia)

Often referred to as the most severe stage of dementia, individuals under it begin facing a significant decline in their cognitive and physical abilities. This leads to an increased dependency on others for daily activities and care essentials. One begins failing to recognize familiar faces, communicate with others, and even find difficulties in doing basic tasks like eating and dressing. For the physical decline, they may have trouble with walking, sitting, and controlling bladder functions.

Role Of Memory Care: With an increased need for full-time care and supervision, shifting the dementia patient to a memory care unit becomes inevitable. Over there, they get round-the-clock comprehensive care and support, a safe and secure environment, and due emotional and spiritual support. Special provisions are there to aid residents in combating their physical as well as mental health challenges.

Final Thoughts

Despite the symptoms being the same, each individual’s experience with dementia is different. With them facing difficulty performing daily tasks, each day comes with new struggles. Because of these reasons, experts suggest recognizing the signs of dementia at the earliest stages only to begin with the treatment straight away. Those seeking a worthy senior living option can partner with Bayshire Torrey Pines Senior Living. Featuring multiple care options, all within a single campus, they can readily respond to your loved one’s evolving memory impairment needs.