Understanding the journey with clarity, compassion, and confidence.

Every person experiences dementia differently, but most symptoms follow a general pattern.
To help families and carers prepare, we describe dementia in four clear stages.
Each stage includes guidance, care tips, music therapy, food support, safety advice, and emotional understanding.

Small changes. Subtle symptoms. Early support makes a big difference.

• Forgetting recent events
• Repeating questions
• Getting easily distracted
• Difficulty finding words
• Mild confusion in busy places
• Mood changes (anxiety, frustration)

• Keep a predictable, calm routine
• Use memory aids (notes, lists, labels)
• Encourage light activity, walking, fresh air
• Offer gentle reminders without pressure

• Familiar songs from early adult years
• Slow, rhythmic music for calmness
• Uplifting tracks for mood support

• Encourage regular drinking
• Light, easy meals
• Snacks in-between to maintain energy

• Clear walkways
• Good lighting
• Simple home organisation

More noticeable changes. Daily tasks require support.

• Forgetting names or familiar places
• Confusion about time (day/night)
• Difficulty choosing clothes
• Reduced confidence with hygiene tasks
• Increased agitation or emotional sensitivity
• Repeated stories or actions
• Wandering or restlessness

• Step-by-step guidance for morning & evening routines
• Short activities to avoid overwhelm
• Reassurance, slow voice tone, gentle communication

• Calming playlists during care tasks
• Memory-trigger songs
• Nature sounds for relaxation

• Offer drinks every 30–60 minutes
• Soft meals if chewing becomes difficult
• Appetite-boosting foods & music before meals

• Bathroom grab rails
• Remove trip hazards
• Use clear signage (toilet, bedroom, kitchen)

Daily living requires full support. Communication becomes limited, but connection is still possible.

• Major memory loss
• Difficulty recognising family
• Trouble speaking in full sentences
• Needs help with washing, dressing, eating
• Sleep disruption or sundowning
• Increased physical restlessness
• Emotional withdrawal or sudden mood swings

• Maintain a calm, predictable routine
• Use simple one-step instructions
• Gentle hand-over-hand assistance
• Prioritise comfort and dignity
• Focus on emotional connection (touch, music, scent)

• Familiar songs from childhood
• Slow rhythmic patterns
• Gentle lullabies for rest and sleep
• Music to reduce agitation

• Soft or puree foods
• Frequent small drinks
• High-calorie meals if weight drops

• Bedside rails (where appropriate)
• Night lights
• Supervision during eating, bathing, walking

Comfort, peace, and emotional presence become the priority.

• Very limited verbal communication
• Difficulty swallowing
• Sleeping more
• Very low energy
• Total dependence for daily tasks
• Increased pain sensitivity
• Moments of awareness followed by long quiet periods

• Comfort-first care
• Gentle touch and reassurance
• Soft music and peaceful environment
• Frequent repositioning to prevent discomfort
• Maintain dignity in every action

• Soft, slow, peaceful tracks
• Lullabies
• Music with slow heartbeat rhythms
• Faith/spiritual music if preferred

• Soft, puree, or liquid nutrition
• Offer small sips frequently
• Avoid forcing food or drink
• Prioritise comfort and safety

• Bedside supervision
• Soft lighting
• Safe sleeping environment
• Pain recognition (facial expressions, breathing changes)

Even when words fade, emotion, comfort, and connection remain.
Compassionate care, gentle routines, and meaningful activities help maintain dignity, peace, and quality of life at every stage.