INTERIM HOME CARE UTAH
Understanding Stages of Dementia Chart
We've written a detailed, narrative walkthrough of each stage separately. This is the quick-reference version — a chart format for scanning at a glance.
The 7-Stage GDS Chart
| Stage | Name | What's Typical |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | No decline | No noticeable symptoms |
| 2 | Very mild decline | Minor forgetfulness, often mistaken for normal aging |
| 3 | Mild decline | Noticeable word-finding trouble, minor memory lapses; often lasts 2-7 years |
| 4 | Moderate decline | Diagnosis usually happens here; trouble with finances and complex tasks; often lasts ~2 years |
| 5 | Moderately severe decline | Can no longer live safely alone without assistance |
| 6 | Severe decline | Significant memory gaps, help needed with dressing and bathing; stages 5-6 often total 3-4 years |
| 7 | Very severe decline | Extensive assistance needed with all daily activities; also called end-stage or late-stage |
A Note on Using This Chart
This is a general framework, not a precise prediction for any individual. The actual pace varies enormously by person and by the type of dementia involved — treat this as orientation, not a countdown.
For More Detail on Any Stage
- Timeline of Dementia Stages — full narrative walkthrough with more context on each stage
- What Is End-Stage Dementia? — a deeper look at stage 7 specifically, including hospice eligibility
- The Family Guide to Dementia Stages — how this 7-stage system compares to the simpler 3-stage model
How Interim Fits In
Wherever your loved one falls on this chart, we're a non-medical home care agency providing support tailored to their actual current needs.
Our 7th Week Guarantee
No long contracts. If you don't feel the difference after six weeks of care at 20 or more hours a week, your seventh week is free.
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Read our full timeline of dementia stages, or learn more about our dementia care services.
Your local office
We serve families across seven Utah counties from three local offices.
- Salt Lake City: Salt Lake, Tooele, Summit, and Wasatch counties
- Layton: Davis and Weber counties
- Lehi: Utah County