In the past Dementia was classified into three stages:
- Initial
- Middle
- Severe.
Even now the above scale is followed by many Neurologists. This scale, however is not suitable to assess the degenerative stage of dementia. Hence, a new scale called the Global Deterioration Scale is followed by many for assessment dementia. Some salient features are given below:
Stage | Observed Effects |
1 | No Dementia |
2 | Signs of Forgetfulness of objects and places. Symptoms not evident |
3 | Difficulty in remembering objects, names and places. Cognitive decline noticeable |
4 | Has difficulty in managing tasks, finances, withdrawal from social circles |
5 | Loss of memory is prominent, require assistance for activities – bathing, feeding and grooming. |
6 | Require extensive assistance for care, bladder incontinence, muscle degeneration and mood changes observed |
7 | Loss of loco motor skills, no ability to communicate and completely dependent on others for activities. |
The above stages are scary and can be daunting on the caregivers of patients. But with proper care, diet, exercise and assistance, patients can lead healthy lives.