The Global Deterioration Scale: The Tool That Tracks Your Mom’s Dementia Progression

Elder Care in East Hampton NY: The Global Deterioration Scale, The Tool That Tracks Your Mom’s Dementia Progression

If you haven’t heard of the Global Deterioration Scale (GDS), you should familiarize yourself. Your mom’s memory care physician may refer to it as the Reisberg Scale. It’s the tool that medical professionals and caregivers use when assessing a dementia patient’s care needs. The first level is no memory issue. From there, it progresses into six more levels.

Level Two/Age Associated Memory Impairment

Level two isn’t too troublesome. You may find your mom often forgets where she put her glasses or purse. She may struggle to remember someone’s name. Apart from those, she’s fine.

Level Three/Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)

With MCI, your mom’s coworkers may start saying she’s having a hard time remembering her work duties. She may read a chapter in a book and forget what she’s read. You may introduce her to a new friend, and she can’t remember the person’s name. You may find her denying that she’s having problems.

Level Four/Mild Dementia

By level four, you’re probably having to help your mom pay her bills on time. She may forget current events or struggle to complete hard tasks. She still recognizes people, however, and she’s still fine driving herself to the store or restaurant.

Level Five/Moderate Dementia

Level five is when things start getting harder to handle. Your mom gets agitated easily because she can’t remember the day of the week or actual date. She struggles to write a check or count money. She is fine getting showered and dressed, but she may not choose appropriate clothing. For example, your mom may skip putting on a warm coat before going outside in the winter.

Level Six/Moderately Severe Dementia

At level six, you’ll need to start interviewing elder care agencies. Your mom should not be left alone. She may forget your name or your father’s name. She won’t remember many current events, and she may struggle to tell you what time of day it is. She will struggle to count to 10. You may find her staying up late at night and sleeping until noon. Her doctor will likely tell you to stop allowing her to drive.

Level Seven/Severe Dementia

This is the final stage of Alzheimer’s. Your mom may struggle with speech. Incontinence requires her to get help going to the bathroom. She may even find it difficult to walk or eat a meal without help.

With Alzheimer’s, your mom will eventually need around-the-clock care. Even if you provide some of your mom’s care, you need help from an elder care professional.

If you or an aging loved one are considering elder care in East Hampton, NY, call the caring staff at Artful Home Care today at 631-685-5001.