Stages of Senile Dementia

The rate of senile dementia has continued to grow over the past decade.  Research has shown the rate of Alzheimer’s disease related deaths grew between 2000 and 2006 by nearly 50% (i).  As the baby boomer generation of the 1960s continues to age into their 60s and 70s, this rate is only expected to climb.

In addition, recent trends indicate that individuals are working longer into their Golden years, choosing to retire later rather than sooner (ii).  This highlights the importance for business professionals to learn and recognize the stages of dementia as it is likely to become more common among employees.

Stages of Senile Dementia

The following are considered to outline the seven stages of dementia, as provided by Omni Medical Search (iii):

Stage I:  No impairment of normal function

Stage II: Very mild cognitive decline

Stage III:  Mild cognitive decline

Stage IV:  Moderate cognigitive decline

Stage V:  Moderately severe cognitive decline

Stage VI:  Severe cognitive decline

Stage VII:  Very severe cognitive decline

The first two stages of decline are subtle and not likely discernable as dementia.  By Stage III, however, the individual has trouble remember words, names, and may misplace things regularly.  Stage III impairments are the first to be noticed in a work environment as decline in cognitive ability will be congruent with decline in working ability.

After Stage III, cognitive ability begins to erode rapidly.  The individual will gradually lose their ability to remember incidents, perform arithmetic, organize complex tasks, and maintain mental clarity.

Program Development Associates has been providing business professionals with tools to identify Alzheimer’s disease and provide support for individuals suffering with dementia.  The Alzheimer’s Project:  The Memory Loss Tapes DVD observes seven different people, each at different stages of Alzheimer’s disease.  Through observation, viewers learn firsthand how each of the stages of dementia affects individuals, providing a basis for awareness.  Program Development Associates provides a range of other caregiver resources ideal for professionals who aspire to learn caregiver techniques, spread awareness, and provide support for individuals suffering with mental illness.

(i) http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_facts_figures.asp

(ii) http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,281153,00.html

(iii) http://www.omnimedicalsearch.com/conditions-diseases/dementia-stages.html