As we age, memory problems as well as a modest decline in cognitive abilities may be fairly common. However, it’s important to identify and be aware of normal changes in memory and memory loss associated with dementia versus other memory-related illnesses.

Dementia is a term used to describe several different types of cognitive decline. Health professionals discuss dementia in “stages,” which refers to how far one’s symptoms have progressed.

Defining a specific stage of dementia aids in determining the best treatment approach for each individual. According to the American Journal of Psychiatry, the most common model is often referred to as the Global Deterioration Scale. This scale breaks cognitive decline down into the seven stages as follows:

Stage 1: No Cognitive Decline

In this stage, a person functions normally, has no memory loss and is mentally healthy.

Stage 2: Very Mild Cognitive Decline

This stage is used to describe normal forgetfulness associated with aging, such as names and where familiar objects were left.

Stage 3: Mild Cognitive Decline

This stage includes increased forgetfulness, slight difficulty concentrating and decreased work performance. At this stage, a person’s loved ones will begin to notice a cognitive decline.

Stage 4: Moderate Cognitive Decline

A moderate cognitive decline can consist of a person having difficulty concentrating, forgetting recent events or struggling to remember the route to every-day destinations.

Stage 5: Moderately Severe Cognitive Decline

A person in this stage has major memory deficiencies and daily activities such as dressing or preparing a meal begin to cause anxiety.

Stage 6: Severe Cognitive Decline

A person requires extensive assistance to carry out daily activities. He or she will start to forget names of close family members and have little memory of recent events. At this stage, personality begins to shift.

Stage 7: Very Severe Cognitive Decline

Psychomotor skills such as walking or talking are strongly affected at this stage, leaving many requiring assistance with most activities.

At the Memory Care Assisted Living Residence at MorseLife, we provide innovative, resident-centered programming focused on life enriching activities. Our unique approach to memory care includes sensory stimulation, elegantly appointed private suites and highly-trained professionals who provide a secure environment ensuring that residents are comfortable, encouraged and engaged.

If you wish to take a tour of the Memory Care Assisted Living Residences at MorseLife, please call (561) 767-8884.