The Stages of Dementia: What to Expect and How to Prepare

April 9, 2025

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4 min read

Dementia doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a progressive, evolving condition that gradually affects how a person thinks, remembers, communicates, and lives day-to-day. The changes can be subtle at first, then grow more noticeable - and more complex - with time.

For individuals living with dementia and their families, understanding the stages of progression can offer clarity, comfort, and guidance in an otherwise uncertain journey.

Why Understanding Dementia Stages Matters

Dementia affects everyone differently, but having a general framework for what to expect can:

Help identify symptoms early
Support timely medical care and diagnosis
Guide care planning and home safety
Reduce fear of the unknown for families and caregivers
Provide language for talking about difficult changes

One of the most commonly used frameworks is the seven-stage model based on the Global Deterioration Scale (GDS). This scale, widely used by clinicians and memory care professionals, outlines the stages from early cognitive changes to severe decline.

👉 Check out Healthline's article on The Stages of Dementia

The 7 Stages of Dementia

Stage 1–2: No or Very Mild Cognitive Decline

At this stage, a person functions normally. They may be experiencing typical age-related forgetfulness (like misplacing keys or forgetting a name), but there are no medical signs of dementia.
Support tip: Begin establishing health routines, and consider tracking symptoms gently if concerns arise.

Stage 3: Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)

Subtle symptoms become noticeable - such as forgetting appointments, losing items more frequently, or struggling to find the right word. This is often the point where friends and family start to notice changes.
Support tip: A memory check-up with a GP or specialist can help identify MCI early. Our blog on Understanding Mild Cognitive Impairment explains what this stage involves and what to do next.

Stage 4: Moderate Cognitive Decline (Early-Stage Dementia)

At this stage, difficulties with managing finances, following instructions, or organizing tasks become clearer. A formal dementia diagnosis is often made here.
Support tip: Introduce tools like the Elli Cares app for gentle reminders about medications, appointments, hydration, and daily routines. These habits can support independence in early stages.

👉 Related reading: How to Feel More in Control of Your Memory

Stage 5: Moderately Severe Decline

The person begins needing help with daily activities such as dressing, meal preparation, or navigating their home. Memory loss increases, especially around recent events or personal history.
Support tip: Focus on routine, reduce clutter, and gently increase caregiver involvement. Support from family or care teams becomes essential.

Stage 6: Severe Cognitive Decline

Language may become limited. The person may become disoriented—even in familiar places—and require assistance with bathing, toileting, and eating. Personality or emotional changes such as anxiety, agitation, or withdrawal are common.
Support tip: Safety becomes a top concern. Consider using features like Elli Cares’ Safe Zones to track location, set boundaries, and alert family members if someone wanders.

Stage 7: Very Severe Decline (Late-Stage Dementia)

In this final stage, the person may lose the ability to speak, walk, eat without help, or respond to others. They will need around-the-clock care and comfort-focused support.
Support tip: Prioritize compassionate care, reduce stimulation, and ensure caregivers have emotional and practical support as well.

What Influences the Progression of Dementia?

Not everyone progresses through the stages in the same way or timeframe. Factors that can influence the rate and nature of decline include:

Type of dementia (e.g. Alzheimer’s, Lewy body, frontotemporal)
Physical health and co-existing conditions
Emotional wellbeing and social support
Environment and daily routine
Quality of care and early intervention

Some individuals may remain in one stage for years, while others move more quickly through the stages. Emotional changes, fatigue, or medical events can also temporarily worsen symptoms.

How Elli Cares Adapts to Almost Each Stage

The Elli Cares app is designed to adapt as needs change:

✅ In early stages: Gentle reminders and support for routines
✅ In mid-stages: Video messages from loved ones to reduce confusion
✅ In later stages: Safe Zones and family alerts to provide oversight and peace of mind
✅ Coming soon: Safe Track, a feature that detects subtle behavioral changes and alerts caregivers when something may be wrong

Dementia is a journey that affects more than memory - it touches every aspect of daily life. But with the right knowledge, tools, and support, it’s possible to plan ahead, respond with compassion, and help a loved one live with dignity and connection at every stage.

Understanding the stages of dementia is not about expecting the worst. It’s about being ready for what may come - and knowing you don’t have to face it alone.

👉 Want to support a loved one better? Read: How to Support a Spouse with Dementia

👉 Learn how Elli Cares supports people living with dementia at www.elliapp.co

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