The Three Stages of Dementia

Donna Nichols • February 6, 2024
An illustration of a doctor and an elderly man titled understanding different types of dementia

Nobody knows what will happen when your older adult’s cognitive ability, or behavior changes. There is so much uncertainty with this Alzheimer’s and dementia, but understanding the three stages of dementia may give you a sense of what you can expect.


The three stages of dementia relate to Alzheimer’s as well and please remember, that not everyone will fit into a stage or progress as stated because each person’s journey is different.


The first stage is early or mild dementia – during this stage, the person may still be able to live by him/herself and be able to drive, work and socialize. They may start forgetting familiar things and others can “seem off.”


Symptoms of early/mild dementia may include:


Struggling to find the right words, or struggling to remember names or people you know.


Losing or misplacing things more often.


Forgetting something you just read.


Having trouble planning or organizing things.


Having difficulty doing everyday tasks.


Making poor decisions.


The second stage is middle/moderate dementia – this stage is usually the longest and can last for several years. During this stage, the person may get their words mixed up, get frustrated or angry easily, or act in unusual ways, like refusing to bathe for days. People in this stage may need in-home care or assisted living.


Symptoms in middle/moderate dementia may include:


Forgetting major life events or things that recently happened.


Being confused about where they are or what day it is.


Forgetting their address, phone number, or other significant things.


Being moody or withdrawn.


Changes in sleep pattern.


A handful of people in this stage experience incontinence.


Wandering and getting lost.


Needing assistance in choosing clothes.


Personality and behavior changes.


The third stage is late-stage dementia. In this stage, people increasingly lose the ability to engage in the world, hold a conversation and control their muscles.


They have difficulty communicating and expressing thoughts, even though they may still be able to speak.


Their memory and cognitive skills will continue to worsen, and you may see personality changes.


People at late-stage dementia will usually:


Progressively lose physical abilities, including the ability to sit, walk, and swallow.


Need 24/7 help with daily activities and personal care.


Lose awareness of recent experiences and their surroundings.


Have an increase of difficulty in communicating.


Become more likely to develop infections, especially pneumonia.


Dementia affects each person differently and changes different parts of the brain at different points in the progression of the disease. A person with dementia does not always fit into one stage and different types of dementia sometimes have different symptoms.


Knowing the stages can help you plan, and planning is essential. Having an idea of the symptoms gives you the tools you need to find ways to cope with the behaviors your older adult will experience, and it gives you the chance to prepare for it all mentally.



I hope learning about the three stages of dementia helps you better prepare for the journey you and your loved one will be embarking upon. If you are a caregiver and need guidance, we hold four (4) Alzheimer’s caregiver support groups a month and they are all free. Give us a call at 386-847-2322 for more information, do NOT go this alone!!!

There are three stages in dementia early or mid middle or moderate late or terminal stage

Protecting Your Skin at Every Age — Especially Under the Florida Sun

By Donna Nichols • May 4, 2026
May is Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month, an important time to talk about protecting the skin we live in. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, and Florida’s year‑round sunshine makes awareness especially important for seniors. Many older adults grew up in a time before sunscreen was widely used, which means decades of sun exposure may increase risk today. Melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, can develop quickly — but when caught early, it is highly treatable. Other types of skin cancer, like basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma, are also common in seniors and often appear on areas that have seen the most sun over the years: the face, ears, neck, arms, and hands. What to look for: Early detection saves lives. Seniors should watch for: • New spots or moles • Changes in size, shape, or color • Spots that itch, bleed, or don’t heal • Anything that looks different from the rest Dermatologists often use the ABCDE rule to help identify concerning changes: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter larger than a pencil eraser, and Evolving over time. Simple ways to protect your skin: • Wear a wide‑brimmed hat and lightweight long sleeves when outdoors • Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and reapply regularly • Seek shade during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) • Avoid tanning beds • Schedule regular skin checks with a dermatologist, especially if you’ve had sunburns in the past Skin cancer awareness isn’t about avoiding the outdoors — it’s about enjoying it safely. Sunshine can lift our spirits, support healthy sleep, and encourage movement, but it’s important to protect ourselves along the way. With a few mindful habits and regular check‑ins, seniors can stay active, confident, and sun‑smart all year long.

Staying Active as the Weather Warms

By Donna Nichols • April 17, 2026
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Allergy Season Is Here: What Seniors Should Know

By Donna Nichols • April 2, 2026
April in Florida means sunshine, flowers, and… pollen. Lots of pollen. For many seniors, allergy season can bring sneezing, itchy eyes, congestion, and fatigue — symptoms that can be frustrating but manageable with awareness and simple habits. Here’s what older adults and caregivers should keep in mind as allergy season peaks. 1. Allergies Can Change Ov er Time Even if someone never had allergies before, they can develop later in life. The immune system shifts with age, and new sensitivities can appear. If symptoms show up suddenly each spring, allergies may be the reason. 2. Pollen Counts Are Highest in the Morning For seniors who enjoy morning walks or porch time, this can be a surprise. On high‑pollen days, shifting outdoor time to later in the afternoon can make a big difference. 3. Staying Hydrated Helps Ease Symptoms Water thins mucus, supports the immune system, and helps the body flush irritants. Seniors often drink less than they realize, so gentle reminders — a water bottle nearby, herbal tea, flavored water — can help. 4. Keep the Indoors as Allergen‑Free as Possible A few simple habits go a long way: • Keep windows closed on high‑pollen days • Change air filters regularly • Remove shoes at the door • Shower or change clothes after being outside These small steps help reduce the amount of pollen that sneaks indoors. 5. Pay Attention to New or Worsening Symptoms If allergy symptoms feel different than usual, last longer than expected, or interfere with daily life, it’s a good time to check in with a healthcare provider. Sometimes what looks like allergies can be something else entirely. A Breath of Fresh (and Cleaner) Air Allergies may be part of spring, but they don’t have to steal the joy of the season. With a little awareness and a few simple habits, seniors can stay comfortable, active, and able to enjoy everything April has to offer.