How do I know what stage of dementia mom is in?

People often go back and forth between stages before settling in so it's not as easy to decide as one might think. Also, a doctor should be the one to determine the stage because of the background necessary. That being said, the input from the caregiver can be essential for a correct assessment because you see what's happening on a daily basis and can report on it.

The Alzheimer's Association uses the following stages as a guide:

Stage 1: No impairment (normal function)
Stage 2: Very mild cognitive decline (may be normal age-related changes or earliest signs of Alzheimer's disease).
Stage 3: Mild cognitive decline
Stage 4: Moderate cognitive decline (Mild or early-stage Alzheimer's disease)
Stage 5: Moderately severe cognitive decline (Moderate or mid-stage Alzheimer's disease)
Stage 6: Severe cognitive decline (Moderately severe or mid-stage Alzheimer's disease)
Stage 7: Very severe cognitive decline (Severe or late-stage Alzheimer's disease)

For more about these stages you may want to read: https://www.agingcare.com/articles/Stages-of-Alzheimers-disease-118964.htm

Take care,
Carol