Dementia stages checklist
Knowing roughly where things stand helps a family plan: what help is needed now and what to arrange before it becomes urgent. Tick the abilities that have changed; the checklist shows the stage this usually corresponds to.
This checklist cannot diagnose dementia or tell which type it is. Memory problems have many causes, some treatable (such as infections, vitamin deficiency, depression or medicines). See a doctor for an assessment.
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Usual stage
Stage 1 No difficulties
No noticeable change in memory or everyday abilities.
What care usually looks like
No extra care needed. Staying active, social and treating hearing loss and blood pressure all help protect the brain.
What to prepare now
A good time to put a lasting power of attorney and advance wishes in place, while no one has to.
All seven stages
- No difficulties — No noticeable change in memory or everyday abilities.
- Very mild forgetfulness — Forgetting names or misplacing things, which the person notices themselves. Often part of normal ageing.
- Mild cognitive decline — Others notice: getting lost in a new place, losing the thread at work, repeating questions.
- Mild dementia — Help needed with complex tasks such as bills, cooking for guests, travel and medicines.
- Moderate dementia — Needs help choosing clothes and with daily routines; may forget their address or the date.
- Moderately severe dementia — Help needed to dress, wash and use the toilet; incontinence, sleep problems and changes in behaviour are common.
- Severe dementia — Speech is limited to a few words; help is needed to walk, sit up and eat.
Based on the seven functional stages of Alzheimer's disease described by Reisberg (Functional Assessment Staging, FAST). Other types of dementia can progress differently.
What are the 7 stages of dementia?
The seven stages run from no impairment (1) through very mild forgetfulness (2), mild cognitive decline (3), mild (4), moderate (5) and moderately severe dementia (6) to severe dementia (7). They describe Alzheimer's disease best; other types can move differently.
How long does each stage last?
It varies a lot from person to person. The middle stages often last the longest, sometimes several years. Other health problems, support and the type of dementia all make a difference.
When does someone with dementia need 24-hour care?
Usually from stage 6, when help is needed with washing, dressing and the toilet, and the person cannot safely be left alone. Many families combine their own time, home care and respite before considering a care home.
Plan the next steps together
A free care space keeps the medicines, appointments, notes on mood and behaviour, and the family's tasks in one place as needs change.