Dementia is a very serious disease and if not detected during the early stages, can be very dangerous. Here is a list of the stages and their corresponding characteristics:

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Stage 1> No Cognitive Impairment

This stage is the basis of Dementia, and people with a strong memory may not even notice a problem.

Stage 2> Mild Cognitive Decline

This stage sees the individual suffer mild forgetfulness stages, where sometimes, the names of familiar objects might be forgotten. This stage can also not be determined clearly.

Stage 3> Comparatively Higher Cognitive Decline

Some deficiencies might come to notice. Loss of ability to remember common names, phrases and also lower organizing ability are some characteristics.

Stage 4> Moderate Cognitive Decline

Decreased knowledge of common everyday events, decreased mathematical ability, reduced memory, inability to do difficult tasks and depression form the basic characteristics of this stage.

Stage 5> High Cognitive Decline

This stage forms the beginning of severe stages. It is very good if the disease is noticed anytime before this stage, as this stage proves to be very difficult for treatment. The patient may now require help with everyday tasks. They do not require help, however, with eating or using the toilet. There is decreased mathematical ability, inability to retain knowledge of date or time, and there may also be severe memory lapses.

Stage 6> Severe Cognitive Decline

In this stage, people begin to lose sight of everyday events. They have generally big memory lapses. They may read a paragraph five times without retaining anything at all. Even though the individuals in this stage can recall their own name, they have lesser recollection of their personal history. The person may need help with dressing, going to the toilet and eating properly among other similar things. They may also wander and become lost.

Stage 7> Very Severe Cognitive Decline

This is the final stage of this dreaded disease, and there can be generally no hope for people entering this stage. The individual may lose his ability to form recognizable words in his speech. The person may not be able to control their muscles, may need help with sitting, laying down, standing up and walking. They may not even be able to smile or frown. This person usually forgets their own name.