Dementia is a progressive condition, meaning symptoms cycle through several stages as time goes on. Dementia is often considered to have seven stages broken down into three categories: early stage, middle stage and advanced stage. The stage your loved one is currently in will determine the strength and severity of their symptoms, as well as how they manage day-to-day living.
The early and advanced stages of dementia are often talked about and well-documented, but the middle stage tends to receive less focus. Today, we’ll explore what you need to know about the middle stage of dementia, the changes you can expect to see in your loved one, and how Country Cousins can help manage this progression.
What Is the Middle Stage of Dementia?
There are seven stages of dementia grouped together in three categories: early, middle and advanced stages:
- Early-stage dementia: Symptoms are undetectable or mild, and the individual can still function independently without assistance.
- Middle-stage dementia: More significant symptoms begin to alter a person’s mood, behaviour and personality, and they may require more assistance with daily activities and personal care.
- Advanced stage dementia: Severe symptoms and loss of skills such as communication and mobility mean individuals will be dependent on others for all aspects of their care.
The middle stage of dementia sees symptoms become more noticeable, meaning the individual will need more support in managing daily life. Your loved one may require more frequent reminders of birthdays, names, and dates, as well as assistance with daily tasks such as washing and dressing.
It’s not uncommon for people with middle-stage dementia to have help from a family or professional carer. Home care is a popular choice at this stage to help individuals remain independent for longer without the stress of moving into a residential home.
Symptoms of Middle-Stage Dementia
While dementia affects everyone differently, the middle stage is when symptoms begin getting worse and changes in behaviour become apparent. This stage is often the longest, spanning 2 to 4 years on average; however, the rate of progression depends on several factors, including other illnesses, frailty and general wellness.
Dementia symptoms are likely to develop in a number of ways, including:
- Existing memory and thinking problems will worsen
Many individuals find it increasingly difficult to recognise close friends and family in the middle stage of dementia. They might confuse them with strangers and struggle to remember new information, meaning it has to be repeated several times. They may also keep asking the same questions over and over.
- Communication, language and dialect will likely get worse
Your loved one might find it difficult to find the right word in a conversation or forget what they’re saying midway through a sentence. They might also find it more difficult to follow what another person is saying, which can lead to increased confusion and agitation.
- Orientation difficulties become more severe
Individuals in the middle stage of dementia may begin to experience confusion about the time of day. For example, they might wake up in the middle of the night and get dressed, thinking it’s morning. They may also get confused about where they are, even if they’re at home, and start wandering as a result.
- Apathy, depression and anxiety continue
Negative feelings of demotivation and disinterest can become stronger in the middle stage of dementia. Your loved one might also struggle with their mental health, with depression and anxiety becoming more likely.
- Delusions may become more likely and frequent
Delusions in dementia are common, especially as symptoms progress through the middle stage. They might believe that others are there to harm them or can’t be trusted, otherwise known as dementia paranoia. They might believe that you’re stealing from them or that their partner is being unfaithful every time they leave the house.
We have a helpful guide on understanding dementia paranoia and how to respond with compassion.
- Hallucinations may start interfering with daily life
Hallucinations are also more common at this stage, especially for people with Alzheimer’s disease. Your loved one might start seeing people or things that aren’t really there, but with the belief that they are real. Common hallucinations are family members who aren’t with us anymore, old pets or random objects.
Behavioural Changes in Middle-Stage Dementia
Most individuals with dementia begin experiencing changes in behaviour during the middle stage. Changes are common but not often linear, meaning they can come and go seemingly randomly. Many individuals with dementia and their loved ones find the behavioural changes to be the most challenging aspect of progressive symptoms.
Common behavioural changes during this stage can include:
- Shadowing or trailing: Your loved one may begin following their primary carer around or constantly checking where they are.
- Restlessness, agitation and frustration: They may begin fidgeting or walking back and forth, especially as the sun sets (sundowning).
- Disturbed sleep patterns: Sleep issues are particularly common, which can exacerbate other behavioural problems further.
- Screaming: People with middle-stage dementia are more likely to struggle with their emotions, leading to bouts of shouting and screaming.
- Losing inhibitions: Your loved one may start to lose their sense of self-consciousness and begin acting accordingly, such as undressing in public or saying inappropriate things.
- Repetitive behaviour: Confusion often causes individuals to repeat behaviour, such as asking the same questions or pulling at their clothes over and over.
Are There Any Physical Changes Happening in the Middle Stage of Dementia?
Physical changes might not be your first thought when considering the progression of dementia symptoms, but they can occur as individuals transition from early-stage to middle-stage. The main change is that difficulties with using the toilet can begin during this stage.
If your loved one has Lewy body dementia, they may begin experiencing problems with mobility. Their walking may get slower and less steady, leading to a higher risk of falling and hospital admission.
Falls can contribute to a person’s frailty, which is characterised by further symptoms such as muscle weakness, exhaustion, slowed movement, and unintentional weight loss. While not everyone diagnosed with dementia will become frail, it is more common among the middle and advanced stages.
How Country Cousins Can Help
At Country Cousins, we pride ourselves on providing bespoke, comprehensive dementia care to clients, regardless of the stage they’re currently experiencing. We’ll carefully match you with a compassionate, fully trained carer who is experienced in recognising and managing the symptoms and stages of dementia, ensuring your loved one receives the best care possible.
Our dementia care is personalised to each client depending on their needs, preferences and personality.
Your loved one’s care plan may include:
- Assistance with dressing, bathing and oral hygiene
- Mobility support
- Symptom management and emergency help
- Encouragement to continue hobbies and social activities
- Accompaniment to and from appointments
- Stimulating activities
- Companionship and emotional support
- Comprehensive care focusing on fostering independence and dignity
Talk to Our Team Today
As the UK’s longest-serving introductory live-in care agency, we have been providing compassionate live-in care to those who need it since 1959 – all from the comfort of their own homes.
Give us a call today on 01293 224 706. Our experienced team is on hand to help from Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm. Alternatively, contact us through our online enquiry form.
