Different Stages of Cognitive Decline
Stage 01
Brain changes
  • Abnormal levels of β-amyloid peptides accumulate in the brain
  • No objective memory impairment
  • Daily living is not yet affected
  • Subjective cognitive decline occurs, but signs are often ignored or regarded as anxiety
Stage 02
Mild cognitive impairment
  • Transition period between normal ageing and pathological cognitive decline
  • Mild memory decline that can be noticed by others
  • Daily living slightly impaired
  • Higher risk of developing 'Dementia'
  • Detection at an early stage can faciliate understanding of the condition and informed decision about early care
Stage 03
Dementia
It can further be divided into three clinical stages.
Mild Dementia
  • Marked decline in cognitive function
  • Memory and language abilities are impaired
  • Difficulty in handling problems or making judgements
  • Needs prompting on personal care
  • Increased in behavioral and psychological symptoms. Depressive symptoms are common
Moderate Dementia
  • Significant decline in global cognition and self-care
  • Become dependent and often required assistance in daily living
  • Behavioral and psychological symptoms become obvious
  • Common changes include wandering, paranoia, hallucinations, irritability, and labile mood
Severe Dementia
  • Severe cognitive impairment
  • Required much help with personal care
  • Inability to maintain personal hygiene, even incontinence may occur
  • Completely dependent on others

Next: Risk Factors

Different Stages of Cognitive Decline

Stage 01

Brain changes

 

  • Abnormal levels of β-amyloid peptides accumulate in the brain
  • No objective memory impairment
  • Daily living is not yet affected.
  • Subjective cognitive decline occurs, but signs are often ignored or regarded as anxiety

Stage 02

Mild cognitive impairment

 

  • Transition period between normal ageing and pathological cognitive decline.
  • Mild memory decline that can be noticed by others.
  • Daily living slightly impaired
  • Higher risk of developing 'Dementia'
  • Detection at an early stage can faciliate understanding of the condition and informed decision about early care

Stage 03

Dementia

It can further be divided into three clinical stages.

Mild Dementia

  • Marked decline in cognitive function
  • Memory and language abilities are impaired
  • Difficulty in handling problems or making judgements
  • Needs prompting on personal care
  • Increased in behavioral and psychological symptoms. Depressive symptoms are common

Moderate Dementia

  • Significant decline in global cognition and self-care
  • Become dependent and often required assistance in daily living
  • Behavioral and psychological symptoms become obvious
  • Common changes include wandering, paranoia, hallucinations, irritability, and labile mood
  • Severe cognitive impairment
  • Required much help with personal care
  • Inability to maintain personal hygiene, even incontinence may occur
  • Completely dependent on others

Severe Dementia