Senile and praecox dementia is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects millions of people around the world. It is characterized by the progressive loss of cognitive functions, such as memory, reasoning, learning ability and decision making. As the disease progresses, people who suffer from it experience increasing difficulties in carrying out daily tasks and maintaining social relationships. The 7 phases of senile and early dementia are described below, from the first symptoms to the most advanced stages.
Phase 1: Mild changes in the memory and thinking
In this first phase, the symptoms of dementia often go unnoticed or are attributed to normal aging. People may experience small lapses in short-term memory, forgetting quotes or people's names more often than usual. They may also have difficulty concentrating or following long conversations. These changes are usually difficult for family and friends to detect, since they do not significantly affect the person's daily life.
Common symptoms in phase 1:
- Forgetfulness mild
- Difficulty remembering names or recent events
- Concentration problems
Phase 2: Mild cognitive difficulties
A As dementia progresses, symptoms become more evident in this phase. People may experience difficulty finding their way around familiar places, remembering recent events, or following simple instructions. Additionally, it is common for them to have trouble finding the right words during a conversation or expressing their thoughts coherently. At this stage, family and friends begin to notice changes in the person's behavior and cognitive abilities.
Common symptoms in phase 2:
- Spatial disorientation
- Difficulty following simple instructions
- Language and communication problems
Phase 3: Moderate cognitive impairment
At this stage , dementia begins to significantly affect the person's daily life. Symptoms become more pronounced and memory loss becomes more evident. People may have difficulty performing basic tasks, such as dressing, cooking, or handling money. In addition, it is common for them to experience emotional changes, such as irritability, anxiety or depression. At this point, it is crucial to seek medical help and emotional support to manage the disease appropriately.
Common symptoms in phase 3:
- Difficulty performing daily tasks
- Changes in mood
- Apathy or lack of interest in usual activities
Phase 4: Moderately severe cognitive impairment
In this phase, dementia continues to progress and symptoms become more severe. People may experience significant short-term memory loss, difficulty recognizing family and close friends, and confusion about time and place. It is also common for them to have difficulties communicating effectively and may show changes in personality and behavior. At this stage, specialized care and a personalized care plan are required to guarantee the quality of life of the affected person.
Common symptoms in phase 4:
- Significant memory loss
- Difficulty recognizing nearby people
- Confusion about time and place
Stage 5: Severe cognitive impairment
In this advanced stage of dementia, people experience a marked loss of memory and cognitive skills. They may have difficulty performing simple tasks, such as dressing or grooming, and may require constant assistance to carry out basic activities. Communication becomes increasingly difficult and the person may experience hallucinations, delusions, or aggressive behavior. At this stage, it is essential to provide continuous and compassionate care to ensure the physical and emotional well-being of the affected person.
Common symptoms in phase 5:
- Need for assistance with daily tasks
- Severe communication problems
- Possible hallucinations or delusions
Stage 6: Very severe cognitive impairment
At this stage, dementia reaches its most advanced point and the affected person experiences an almost total loss of cognitive ability. They may lose the ability to speak, move autonomously, and recognize loved ones. Complete dependence on caregivers is common in this phase, as the person can no longer perform any tasks on their own. It is crucial to provide a safe and comfortable environment, as well as specialized and compassionate care to ensure the quality of life of the affected person in this final stage of the disease.
Common symptoms in phase 6:
- Total loss of cognitive ability
- Total dependence on caregivers
- Difficulty speaking, moving or performing any task
Phase 7: Terminal phase
In the terminal phase of dementia, the affected person is in a very vulnerable and fragile state. They may experience a significant decrease in vital functions, swallowing difficulties, recurrent infections, and a marked decrease in mobility. At this stage, it is essential to provide palliative care to alleviate the person's physical and emotional discomfort. Caregivers and family members must be prepared to face the grieving process and provide the necessary support to both the affected person and themselves.
Common symptoms in the terminal phase:
- Decreased vital functions
- Swallowing difficulties
- Significant physical and emotional discomfort
In conclusion, senile and praecox dementia is a devastating disease that affects not only the person who suffers from it, but also their loved ones and caregivers. Knowing the different phases of the disease and its associated symptoms can help families identify the first signs of dementia and seek appropriate medical and emotional support. It is essential to provide comprehensive and compassionate care throughout all stages of dementia, with the goal of improving the quality of life of affected people and their loved ones.