Stage 3. The Echoes Grow Louder: Mild Cognitive Decline
As one steps into the third stage of vascular dementia, the whispers of stage two grow into audible echoes. The signs of cognitive decline start becoming more noticeable, no longer subtle or easily overlooked. The individual begins to display more persistent forgetfulness, and the frequency of memory lapses increases.
In social settings or at work, the person’s performance might start declining. They may start struggling with maintaining the usual pace of work, or they might find it challenging to keep up with conversations. Word-finding difficulties become more pronounced, often leading to pauses during discussions as the individual struggles to recall the correct words.
Additionally, more complex cognitive tasks start to pose a challenge. For instance, planning a dinner party or managing a project at work might become more demanding. They may need more time to complete tasks that were previously done effortlessly.
However, this stage still doesn’t constitute a significant hindrance to daily life. While there is a noticeable decline, it is not severe enough to disrupt the person’s ability to live independently. The individual can still carry out their daily tasks, albeit with some difficulty.
The transition from stage two to stage three is like crossing a threshold. It marks a significant step in the progression of vascular dementia, one where the symptoms can no longer be ignored or dismissed as insignificant. It reinforces the need to recognize the early signs of cognitive decline and to take proactive steps for management. (3)
