Skip over main navigation
  • Log in
  • Basket: (0 items)
Dementia Concern
Contact us Donate
  • Twitter
Menu
  • Home
  • About us
    • About us
    • Our story
    • Our partners
    • Charity reports
    • Jobs
    • Our Team
  • About dementia
    • What is dementia
    • Types of dementia
    • Stages of dementia
    • Dementia FAQs
  • Get help
    • About our support
    • Our services
    • Make a referral
    • What's on
  • Support us
    • Donate
    • Fundraise
    • Volunteer
    • Legacy giving
    • Share your story
  • News and views
    • Case studies
    • Interviews
    • Keep up to date
  • Shop
  • Admin
    • Log in
  • Basket: (0 items)
  • Stages of dementia
  1. About dementia
  2. Stages of dementia

Stages of dementia

It is useful to know about the stages of dementia to help inform plans for treatment and care. Understanding the stage of dementia can also help guide care needs as the disease progresses. In the earlier stages of dementia, individuals can still function relatively independently, however in the middle stages they will begin to need more assistance. During these later stages, the caregiver’s goals often shift to focusing on preserving the person’s comfort and quality of life. Although individuals may lose the ability to communicate, research suggests that aspects of the person and their former self still remain, so you are still able to have meaningful interactions even in the later stages of the disease. 

To identify a stage, the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale (CDR) is designed to evaluate the stages of dementia. It uses a 5-point scale to assess the severity of symptoms as they affect the person’s ability to function in six different cognitive categories (memory, orientation, judgement and problem solving, community affairs involvement, home life and hobbies, and personal care).

Stage 1 

No impairment: No memory loss

Stage 2

Very Mild Cognitive Decline: Normal memory loss associated with aging 

Stage 3

Mild Cognitive Decline: Friends and family members begin to notice cognitive problems 

Stage 4

Moderate Cognitive Decline: Poor short term memory, may forget personal details, difficulty with simple arithmetic 

Stage 5

Moderately Severe Cognitive Decline: Begins to need help with daily activities, significant confusion, disorientation

Stage 6

Severe Cognitive Decline: Worsened memory loss, difficulty recognising family members, possible personality changes 

Stage 7

Very Severe Cognitive Decline: Communication is limited, physical systems also decline 

Published: 17th July, 2020

Updated: 24th July, 2020

Author: Erica Wallace

Share this page
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Latest

  • Events & Activities

    Events & Activities

    Details about upcoming events & Activities organised by the team at Dementia Concern for people living with Dementia and their loved ones.

  • National Lockdown

    National Lockdown

    A reminder of the rules of our current national lockdown.

  • Charity Meetings

    Charity Meetings

    Information about key charity meetings that are upcoming.

  • Julie

    Julie

    Community Support Worker

Most read

  • Example - Our history

    Tell the relevant, inspiring parts of how you started, where you are today and any major milestones

  • Example - Mission, vision, values

    What you're all about -- but write to inform and inspire site visitors, not for yourselves

  • Example - How we're funded

    State your case for the support you need, while showing supporters can trust you (be transparent)

  • Example - Our impact

    Inspire visitors with all the amazing change you've achieved. It's your chance to show off!

  • Example - Where your money goes

    Earn your supporters' trust by being transparent and making the impact of their support clear

  • Terms and Conditions

    Our website disclaimer

  • Albie

    Albie

    CEO

  • Elisa's story

    Elisa's story

    Inspire visitors with real stories that humanise the impact you have, then call them to action

  • Example - Support us

    Push already-interested visitors over the line with stories, stats and ideas. Make next steps clear

  • Example - Volunteer for us

    Inspire potential volunteers with impact and benefits. Keep descriptions and next steps clear

Latest tweet

Contact Us

Dementia Concern
223 Windmill Road
Ealing, London W5 4DJ


Telephone: 020 8568 4448
Fax: 020 8568 1294
E-mail: [email protected]


Charity Registration Number 1014834

Useful links

  • Sitemap
  • Accessibility
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy policy

Our services

  • Our Services
  • Advice, Information & Support
  • Day Centre Services
  • Call & Care