Signs And Symptoms Of Dementia

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Common Signs and Symptoms

There are several stages of dementia, with the experience different for each person. In all types of dementia, memory problems are the early signs.

The deterioration in cognitive skills is gradual and in later stages, daily activities will become increasingly challenging without assistance.

Signs and Symptoms (ABCDs) Across Stages of Dementia

Keeping track of your loved one’s signs and symptoms of dementia can help you identify the condition’s progression.

These behaviours are also a result of their condition, and understanding this can help you, as the caregiver, better understand why these changes are taking place, and how you can manage them.

Stages Of Dementia

Mild

Still able to care for self in basic activities of daily living, i.e. personal hygiene, dressing
But may have some difficulty with taking public transportation, Money management, Preparing meals

Moderate

Requires assistance with dressing, personal hygiene, feeding, etc.
High risk of falling

Advanced

Unable to care for own hygiene, feeding oneself, going to the toilet, taking a shower.
Likely to have mobility issues, could be bed-bound

Mild

Apathy; lack of interest in activities they used to engage in
Rapid mood changes

Moderate

Wandering
Repetitive actions/questions
Sleep reversal
Frustration at not being able to communicate well
May appear depressed, easily agitated, suspicious

Advanced

Crying, shouting or repetitive vocalisation as a means to communicate needs
Refusing care due to confusion

Mild

Forgetfulness (short-term memory loss)
Reduced judgement
Difficulty in following storylines and conversations
Impaired abstract thinking
Difficulty finding the right words
Misplacing things

Moderate

Vague long-term memory
Unable to recognise certain family members
Difficulty in communication due to one’s repetitive speech or inability to understand contexts
Unable to remember own address or phone number

Advanced

Unable to recognise current self
Unable to communicate through language. May also be uncommunicative. Sometimes unresponsive
Unable to recognise common objects

Mild