Caroline Scates
Deputy Director for Admiral Nurse Development, Dementia UK
A dementia specialist nurse charity has published guidance to help families understand the three stages of dementia.
There are over 200 different types of dementia — all of which can present in various ways and can be difficult to identify and diagnose in the early stages.
What is dementia?
Dementia is an umbrella term for a range of conditions affecting the brain, which gradually worsen over time. As dementia progresses, it can affect a person’s thinking, behaviour and understanding of the world. This may happen quickly or slowly, depending on a variety of factors including the type of dementia, the person’s age, their general health and their lifestyle. It can be helpful to think of dementia progressing in three stages: early, middle and late stages. However, the condition will affect everyone differently.
What are the different stages of dementia?
Early-stage dementia occurs when a person begins to show early symptoms. For many people, this stage will last for months or years. In some, rare cases, it may progress much quicker. A person at this stage might experience mild difficulties with memory and concentration, language and communication and decision-making.
In the middle stage of dementia, symptoms become more pronounced and can have a bigger impact on daily life. Changes that might occur include difficulty getting to sleep, restlessness with the inability to sit still and sundowning — a state of intense anxiety that typically occurs around sunset.
There are over 200 different types of dementia — all of which can present in various ways and can be difficult to identify and diagnose in the early stages.
In the late stage of dementia, changes can become more pronounced to the point that a person is unable to live independently. They may require longer-term support such as live-in care from professional carers or residential care. Seeing significant changes in someone you care for can be upsetting for family and friends, and making decisions about long-term care can cause feelings of guilt and loss.
What support is available to families with dementia?
Dr Hilda Hayo, Chief Admiral Nurse and Chief Executive at Dementia UK says: “We understand the complex challenges associated with a diagnosis of dementia and how the condition may change through stages over time. Every time a diagnosis of dementia is made, it is life-changing for the person and their family; and it can be difficult to know where to turn to for support. Our Admiral Nurses are best placed to deliver specialist support to families navigating the different stages of the condition. They can offer practical and emotional guidance for the whole family.”
If you need advice or support around dementia, you can visit dementiauk.org/get-support for information resources and find out how to access Dementia UK’s Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline and Clinics services.
