Dementia is commonly mistaken for a disease within itself. However, dementia actually describes a group of symptoms that can be caused by many different disorders. Progressive dementia means that symptoms will worsen over time. The most common types include Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, and Lewy body dementia. These conditions generally progress through five main stages that are part of the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR), which mental health professionals use to evaluate the progression of symptoms and make an accurate diagnosis.
Though progressive dementia cannot be stopped, diagnosis and treatment can help with delaying the progression of certain symptoms and may lessen the severity of some of them. There are also medications that can be prescribed to help with other symptoms, such as trouble sleeping, that tend to accompany dementia. If you suspect that you or a loved one is suffering from early symptoms of dementia, a cognitive test will be performed to assess the severity of the condition. After the analysis, a better idea of how to treat your condition will be established.
Stage 1: No Impairment (CDR-0)
This stage means that there is no impairment in your abilities. A score of 0 means you have no significant memory problems, have normal judgment, can fully function in the world, are fully orientated and aware of time and place, and are therefore able to take care of yourself and your personal needs.
Stage 2: Questionable Impairment (CDR-0.5)
This stage indicates very slight memory impairments. This can mean that you are experiencing small inconsistencies with memory, you struggle solving challenging problems, and you might be having trouble at work and with certain social activities. However, at this stage you probably can still take care of yourself without any extra help.
Stage 3: Mild Impairment (CDR-1)
This stage indicates that you are noticeably impaired in memory, orientation, judgment, and personal care. However, the changes are still mild. Short-term memory is probably suffering more than long-term memory, which might disrupt some aspects of your daily routine. Geographical disorientation is common at this stage as well, meaning that you are probably experiencing trouble with directions and with getting from one place to another. Taking care of personal hygiene might begin to become a problem at this stage.
Stage 4: Moderate Impairment (CDR-2)
This stage of dementia means that you will now need outside help taking care of yourself and will need to be accompanied when out in public. Disorientation will be worse at this stage, and getting lost will become a greater risk. Short-term memory will also be almost completely shattered, as you will struggle to remember anything new, including people you just met.
Stage 5: Severe Impairment (CDR-3)
This is the most severe stage of dementia, and by this point, you will not be able to function at all without assistance. There will be extreme memory loss, no understanding of time or geography, and it will be nearly impossible to go out in public, even with help. Any functioning at all, even in the home, will require outside help.
