Most dementia research studies are looking for particular people. Often this can be based on the severity of someone’s dementia. To help ensure you are matched to the right studies, you are asked to describe your symptoms or the volunteer’s symptoms selecting from four options: mild, moderate, severe and unknown. Everyone experiences dementia in their own way and the definitions which follow are general in nature.
Mild (Early stage)
Typical symptoms of early stage dementia include: loss of memory for recent events, repeating oneself, becoming slower at grasping new ideas, finding it harder to make decisions and showing signs of confusion.
Moderate (Middle stage)
Typical symptoms of middle stage dementia include: needing more support to help manage day-to-day living, needing frequent reminders or help to eat, wash, dress and use the toilet; repeating the same question or phrase; becoming increasingly forgetful, particularly of names; and failing to recognise people or confuse them with others.
Severe (Late stage)
Typical symptoms of late stage dementia include: pronounced loss of memory, with inability to recognise familiar objects, surroundings or even loved ones, although there may be sudden flashes of recognition; an increasing amount of help needed with day-to-day activities, becoming more dependent on others for care needs; and becoming increasingly frail, and possibly starting to shuffle or walk unsteadily.
Please view ‘The progression of Alzheimer’s disease‘ on Dementia Australia’s website, which describes these stages in more detail.