Progression, signs, and stages of dementia

Dementia is a progressive illness which means that symptoms get worse over time.

The speed at which dementia progresses is different for each person.

There are three stages of dementia:

Early-stage (mild symptoms)

In the early stages of dementia, a person’s symptoms are often relatively mild and not always easy to notice.

Common early-stage symptoms include problems with:

• memory
• speed of thought
• language
• perception

Find more about the early stage of dementia

Middle-stage (moderate symptoms)

In the middle-stage of dementia, symptoms become more noticeable and the person will need more support in managing daily life.

This stage of dementia is often the longest. On average it lasts about two to four years.

Find out more about the middle stage of dementia

Later-stage (severe symptoms)

Dementia is a life-limiting condition and a person with dementia generally has a lower life expectancy.

People with later-stage dementia will eventually need full-time care, and support with daily living and personal care, such as eating, washing and dressing.

The later-stage tends to be the shortest, lasting around one to two years.

Although you may find thinking about what happens in the later stages of dementia upsetting, you and your loved ones may also find information about this stage helpful when planning for your care and end of life.

Find out more about the later stage of dementia

Page last updated: 15 January 2024