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Gremlin Asked September 2018

Transitioning between stages of dementia; what is the in between?

I've tried to ask this question before but I guess it was unclear exactly what I was asking so let me attempt this again. I am curious about the space in between stages. If your going with the seven stage guide then it would be the space between the six and seven stage when a person will go from ranting and raving to single word non sequiturs. What is your experience with the crossover? Is the transition like falling off a cliff or more like a slow but steady decline toward their last days?

MargaretMcKen Sep 2018
It seems that a 'crisis' event can make the transition quite sudden, and then not be totally reversed when the crisis is over. UTIs, falls, hospitalisation etc.

Sunnygirl1 Sep 2018
Well, I think it varies so much, that's it's difficult to answer. Also, when you are looking at stages, I'd keep in mind that the Seven Stage chart is actually only for people who have Alzheimers and not other forms of dementia. However, I've noticed that my LO has pretty much followed it, even though she has Vascular Dementia. Perhaps, a coincidence. Or, one doctor said that she may also have AD as in Mixed dementia. Plus, she was young at diagnosis. Some people go many years with slow progression.

My LO had slow progression to the point that no one knew what was going on with her until it hit big with full blown Stage 6. (Four years ago.) Those things continued, along with double incontinence and being wheelchair bound, until she progressed to Stage 7 and that's taken about one year. Over that year, gradually losing ability to feed self, gradually losing speech, gradually stopping smiling, gradually needing support to sit up, So over the last year we are at 7e.

Since we are restricted in posting links, I'm going to PM you one that I have looked at it. I'm not sure if it has value, but, it's something. I know it gets frustrating and we want answers, because we are so apprehensive about the future.
Gremlin Sep 2018
My mother is, I am fairly certain, in stage six. I recently realized that after her hospital and nursing home stays due to nerve damage she was mentally still herself. She was tired and fragile and seemed smaller but she was still in there. About eight months ago I noticed the change. She could not for the life of her keep tract of the time or day. She has added symptoms on almost a weekly schedule. The speed at which these changes happened defies the averages. I began to wonder if this could be rapid onset dementia. If so she may not make it another year. Now I searching for any indication of whats to come.

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JennaRose Sep 2018
I think everyone is different as far as how they progress through the stages.  My Mom has had Alzheimer's / dementia for at least 4 years now and she has stayed pretty stable.   Some may progress faster compared to others.   I don't think anyone really has the exact answer...

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