Nothing can prepare you for the changes ahead when someone you love is diagnosed with dementia. However, knowing what to expect at different stages can help you find ways to cope as the condition progresses. As a caregiver for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, learning as much as you can about the stages of dementia can help you mentally prepare for what’s next.
The Global Deterioration Scale developed by Dr. Barry Reisberg defines the seven stages of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of primary degenerative dementia. The scale is commonly used by health care professionals when communicating with patients and families about planning for dementia care. The progression of dementia looks different for everyone and the length of time for each stage can vary, but most people with dementia experience a gradual shift from mild to moderate to severe symptoms.
Stage 1: No Cognitive Decline
The first stage can be defined as a normal functioning stage where a person has no memory impairment or symptoms of cognitive decline. The changes that happen in the brain in this early stage are often hidden. In this stage, a person continues with normal activities with no indication of any problems related to dementia.
Stage 2: Age-Associated Memory Impairment
In this stage, a person may experience very mild memory impairment that’s comparable to normal age-related memory loss. Your loved one might forget familiar names, forget words, or frequently misplace things. Although your loved one might be aware of these memory slips, the changes are usually mild enough to go unnoticed by friends, family members and doctors. A person with age-associated memory impairment will be able to continue working, traveling, and managing daily tasks as usual.
Stage 3: Mild Cognitive Impairment
Memory loss may become noticeable to your loved one and those around them at this stage. Mild impairment shows up in a variety of ways. Your loved one may have trouble remembering recent events or activities, or the names of familiar people or things. Symptoms can also include difficulty following conversations, changes in mood or emotion, and mild problems with coordination. It’s time to see a health care provider when symptoms begin to interfere with day-to-day life.
Caregiver concerns: Although your loved one may be able to live independently at this stage with occasional help from friends or family, you may be thinking about how to support them as their needs increase. Caregiving in this stage focuses on adjusting to the changes and making plans for the future. Time frame: This stage can last 2 to 7 years.
Stage 4: Mild Dementia
In this stage, you may notice increased forgetfulness and problems with thinking and reasoning. Your loved one may forget what they had for lunch or struggle to recall the names of friends and family. As dementia affects communication skills, they may struggle to use the phone and may not engage as much in conversation. They may withdraw from social situations. Simple tasks may become more difficult, and they may need help paying bills and managing their finances.
Caregiver concerns: Safety becomes a larger concern in this stage. Start making plans now for the changes ahead, including exploring options for in-home nursing care or moving to a memory care community. Learning as much as you can about dementia care will make navigating next steps easier. Time frame: The duration of this stage is about 2 years.
Stage 5: Moderate Dementia
Problems with memory, thinking and judgment worsen at this stage. Your loved one may forget how to do simple tasks like brushing their teeth or combing their hair. They may need help with getting dressed, making meals, or other activities of daily living. At this stage, it’s common to forget significant information like their address or major life events. As dementia progresses, your loved one may be confused about where they are or what day it is, and they may experience problems with orientation and wandering.
Caregiver concerns: Keeping your loved one safe becomes the top priority, as they’ll need 24/7 care and supervision at this stage. As a caregiver, it’s important to take care of yourself and seek emotional support from family members, a support group or counselor.
Time frame: The duration of this stage is 1.5 years on average.
Stage 6: Moderately Severe Dementia
The effects of dementia make it increasingly difficult to communicate and perform basic skills at this stage. There may be times when they don’t recognize family and friends. Anger, paranoia, wandering, eating problems, obsessive behaviors, hallucinations and incontinence may occur. Disturbed sleep patterns can lead to sleeplessness during the night and exhaustion during the day.
Caregiver concerns: Challenging behaviors like shouting, agitation, disturbed sleep, and repetitive behavior can make caregiving increasingly difficult. During this stage, it’s essential that your loved one has the support they need in a safe environment.
Time frame: This stage can last around 2.5 years.
Stage 7: Severe Dementia
Late-stage dementia brings devastating changes for patients and their families. Your loved one may lose the ability to communicate, walk, smile, swallow, or participate in personal care activities. They may be unable to recognize people, places and objects. Constant care will be needed In this stage, and hospice care can provide or extra support focused on pain management and comfort care near the end of life.
Caregiver concerns: Communicating with your loved one’s care team at a memory care community can help ensure your loved one is getting the support they need.
Time frame: This stage may last 1.5 to 2.5 years.
SUPPORTING YOUR FAMILY’S JOURNEY WITH ALZHEIMER’S
Freedom Village of Bradenton offers specialized, compassionate memory care services for all stages. We understand the challenge and heartbreak that different stages of dementia can present, and the importance of having quality memory care and support every step of the way. Contact our team today to tour our memory care facility. Contact us today by calling 941-219-5294.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Your support as a valued sponsor means more to me and our team at My Care Finders than words can truly express. This open house and ribbon-cutting celebration is such a special milestone not just for our business, but for the community were so honored to serve. And it wouldnt be possible without you. Your belief in what we do helping families navigate senior care with compassion, clarity, and purpose is what fuels us every day. Knowing that we have partners like you standing beside us makes all the difference. Were expecting a wonderful turnout, and we truly believe this will be a joyful, memorable event for everyone involved. Light bites, music, laughter, and connection a true celebration of community. Attached is our event flyer created by Jesse, the owner of My Sanctuary of Wellness. A HUGE shoutout to Jesse for your patience and constantly updating the flyer when needed Thank you Jesse!!!!! Please be sure to bring your own table and chairs. Wed love it if you could help us spread the word by sharing it on Facebook and other social media outlets, along with your friends, family, colleagues, and even your patients. The more, the merrier! Lets make this an unforgettable evening. Additionally, our assistance, Becca will be sending each of you our w-9, along with an invoice for the event. Thank you again for being such an important part of this journey. I cant wait to celebrate with you!With sincere gratitude,Heather Tetrault
BrightStar Care of Venice & Port Charlotte- has won Best of Home Care Leader of Excellence , Provider of Choice and Employer of Choice for 2025 by Home Care Pulse. These are difficult awards. We are very proud of them.We can help your patients whenever they need home care to stay safe at home. No minimums- 1hr up to 24/7 careJoint Commission Gold Seal of Approval Our BrightStar Care location has earned accreditation from the Joint Commission, which validates that we follow their requirements for the highest level of safety and care.Best of Home Care Leader in Experience 2025 Recognizes our location as earning satisfaction levels in the top 5% based on caregiver training, compassion and communication.Best of Home Care Provider of Choice 2025 Indicates high satisfaction levels of our clients regarding our trustworthiness and ability to provide outstanding in-home care.Best of Home Care Employer of Choice 2025 Happy employees deliver better care. This award distinguishes us as best-in-Class for caregiver satisfaction. The Joint Commission Enterprise Champion for Quality Because of the commitment to quality standards from our local offices, were the only national home care brand that consistently earns the Enterprise Champion for Quality award from the Joint Commission. This independent, nonprofit organization accredits the nations best hospitals and major health care systems.
Your chronological age and your biological age dont necessarily match. Around the ages of 44 and 60 the aging process accelerates in what has been dubbed a biomolecular shift, which dramatically impacts health and internal aging. Researchers discovered these two bursts of aging during the human lifespan, singling out the mid-forties and early sixties as key periods. But the greater shift in biological aging happens during your early sixties.However, out of this seemingly bad news is some hope. Now that science has pinpointed when these changes occur, it could help researchers uncover what is driving chronic disease as we age, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis or even strategies for prevention. So exactly what is going on during these periods of rapid biological aging, how do they impact health, and what can you do to be proactive? Lets break it down.Aging Isnt Primarily GradualYou can no longer assume that aging happens gradually. Ever notice that some people seem to age overnight or are really showing their age? While there is obviously gradual decline, more dramatic changes happen quickly and during certain periods of life. It all comes down to the molecules that make up your physical body. These individual molecules are what age, and studies reveal that they undergo greater change at certain ages, making aging non-linear or not so much gradual over time.How Periods of Rapid Biological Aging Impact HealthIn both your mid-forties and early sixties most people experience molecular level changes related to skin and muscle aging, cardiovascular disease, and the metabolizing of caffeine. This is why people tend to start or increase cholesterol or blood pressure medications during these times of life.Researchers also noted differences between the two periods of biological aging. People in their forties had a greater shift in relation to fat and alcohol metabolism, while those in their sixties underwent shifts related to immune regulation, carbohydrate metabolism, and kidney function.These facts seem to correlate with experience as many people in their sixties are less able to fight off sickness and are even more prone to weight gain and kidney trouble or even kidney failure. Cancer rates tend to spike around this time as the immune system is less able to fend off the invasive cancer cells. Cases of heart disease also rise during this time as people struggle more with their weight and rising cholesterol levels.Less expected, however, was the evidence of rapid aging during the mid-forties. But it becomes more understandable as you consider what characterizes the lives of most people during this life stage. Lifestyle makes a difference and life moves at a rapid pace during your forties. Often this is a time of busy family and work schedules, high work stress, divorce, and weight gain. You often have less time for self-care during these frantic years, and all combined, this shifts your body into a period of rapid molecular aging.Combat Biological Aging with Proactive StepsYou obviously cant stop the aging process but its possible to slow it down. The steps to achieve this arent all new or innovative. In fact, it involves putting common knowledge into practice which many people resist, at least until later life. Here are some unsurprising practical tips for slowing biological aging: Avoid weight gainEat more fruits and vegetablesControl diabetes and high blood pressureStay physically activeDont smoke And the way to prevent or avoid diabetes and high blood pressure is to limit sugar, processed carbohydrates, and saturated fats. If youre in your 40s, in addition to the above, its also beneficial to monitor and minimize your cholesterol levels, exercise to build muscle mass, and limit or avoid alcohol. For additional ways to combat aging, read our article, How to Live Longer: 12 Life-Boosting Habits to Start NowThe best rule of thumb is not to wait until your health begins to decline before making these changes. Adjust your lifestyle while youre still healthy, and you will see the biggest payoff. However, its never too late to start living with your health in mind, because changes at any stage will make a positive difference.Key Takeaways About Biological Aging in Your 40s and 60sScience previously thought that the human body aged gradually in linear fashion, but recent studies show that aging on a molecular level occurs rapidly during the mid-forties and early sixties. During your forties, this change is often due to lifestyle changes that can be altered for better outcomes. You can slow the aging process during midlife with regular exercise and a diet rich in produce and low in saturated fat and processed carbohydrates.
Located just six miles from the beautiful Gulf Coast beaches in West Bradenton, Florida, Freedom Village of Bradenton is a premier Continuing Care Retirement Community. We offer spacious and upscale living accommodations, along with a comprehensive range of health care services designed to meet the diverse needs of our residents.Rehabilitation: Short-term rehabilitation services to help you recover and get back to your life as quickly as possible.Rehabilitation Services At Freedom Village of Bradenton, we understand the importance of excellent rehabilitation services following an illness or injury. Our team of expert clinicians collaborates with each resident to design an individualized plan tailored to their specific challenges, abilities, and goals. Our rehabilitation services include:Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapies: Comprehensive therapy services to aid in recovery.Orthopedic Rehabilitation: Specialized care for those recovering from orthopedic surgeries or injuries.CVA/Stroke Rehabilitation: Focused rehabilitation for stroke survivors to regain function and independence.Fall Prevention Program: Programs designed to improve balance and prevent falls.Pulmonary Program: Care for residents with chronic lung conditions.Cardiac Heart Failure Program: Support for those with heart failure to improve cardiac health.Balance and Vestibular Therapy: Treatments to address balance issues and vestibular disorders.Schedule a VisitTo learn more about our services or to schedule a personalized visit, please call us at 941-799-6855. We look forward to sharing our beautiful campus with you and discussing how we can meet your needs in our welcoming community.
The Inn at Freedom Village offers 24-hour skilled nursing care designed to provide advanced long-term care with the comfort and support of home. Here's what you or your loved one can expect from our skilled nursing services:Tailored care plans: Residents at The Inn at Freedom Village are treated as treasured family members, and our caring staff takes the time to develop personalized care plans tailored to individual needs. Whether for short-term or long-term stays, we anticipate needs and provide highly personalized care and transition support.Supportive environment: Residents receive care in a supportive environment where their comfort and well-being are prioritized. Our staff assists with activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, grooming, and medication administration, ensuring residents' needs are met with compassion and dignity.Engaging activities: We encourage residents to stay engaged in activities appropriate for them, offering opportunities for socialization, recreation, and personal enrichment. Our beautifully landscaped gardens and grounds provide serene outdoor spaces for relaxation and enjoyment.Comprehensive amenities: Skilled nursing services and amenities include private or companion suites, all-inclusive monthly fees covering care, living, and dining costs, daily housekeeping and laundry service, and 24-hour nursing care. We also hold regular care meetings with residents and their families to ensure ongoing communication and support.At The Inn at Freedom Village, we are committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive skilled nursing care in a warm and welcoming environment. Our goal is to enhance the quality of life for each resident by meeting their individual needs with personalized care and support.
Freedom Village of Bradenton offers independent living with a wealth of amenities and services designed to enhance your lifestyle. Here's what you can expect as a resident:Freedom from homeownership responsibilities: As an independent living resident, you'll enjoy the freedom of leaving behind the burdens of homeownership. Spend your days as you please, knowing that maintenance and other household tasks are taken care of for you.Vibrant, active lifestyle: Recognized as a 2024 Best Independent Living community by U.S. News & World Report, Freedom Village of Bradenton offers a vibrant, active lifestyle. Explore new interests, connect with neighbors, and enjoy a full social life with a wide range of amenities and activities.Life Plan Community with Life Care contract: As a Life Plan Community, Freedom Village of Bradenton provides convenient access to higher levels of quality on-campus care if needed. With the Life Care contract, you'll enjoy financial predictability and access to a continuum of care, ensuring peace of mind for the future.Resort-like amenities: Residents have access to resort-like amenities and services, including fitness facilities, recreational activities, social events, and more. Nurture connections, explore new learning experiences, and stay active and engaged within the community.Maintenance-free residences: Choose from villa homes or one-, two-, and three-bedroom senior apartments, each with its own private balcony or lanai. Enjoy maintenance-free living and the freedom to personalize your space with your favorite flooring and paint colors.Pet-friendly community: Freedom Village of Bradenton welcomes pets, allowing residents to enjoy the companionship of their furry friends.Experience the freedom, convenience, and enrichment of independent living at Freedom Village of Bradenton, where you can live life to the fullest and feel confident about the future.