3. Severe Cognitive Impairment
The third and final stage of ARD is marked by severe cognitive impairment. The individual’s cognitive functions continue to decline at an accelerated pace. Their memory lapses aren’t just occasional forgetfulness anymore but extended periods of confusion and disorientation. They might struggle to recognize familiar faces, forget the names of close family members, or lose track of their whereabouts.
Their ability to process and understand information is significantly impaired at this stage. They might find it hard to follow simple instructions, understand the meaning of common words, or make sense of what’s happening around them.
Communication becomes even more challenging at this stage. The individual’s vocabulary continues to shrink, making conversations difficult. They might frequently lose track of their thoughts, struggle with completing sentences, or repeat phrases.
Reading and writing might become nearly impossible due to their inability to recognize or remember words. They might also struggle with understanding non-verbal cues, adding another layer of complexity to their communication challenges.
Physical symptoms become more prominent during the third stage of ARD. The individual’s coordination and motor skills continue to decline, making even simple tasks like eating, dressing, or walking challenging. They might need help with most daily activities and personal care.
They might also exhibit significant weight loss, primarily if they’ve stopped eating or have difficulty with feeding. Tremors or shaky hands might become more pronounced, adding to their difficulties with motor tasks.
The individual’s daily life undergoes a drastic transformation at this stage. They might need constant supervision and assistance due to their cognitive, communication, and physical challenges. They might be unable to perform most tasks independently, need help with personal care, and struggle with navigating their environment.
Their social interactions become limited due to their communication difficulties and cognitive impairment. However, they might still respond to emotional cues, express emotions, and enjoy social contact, particularly with close family members and friends.
The primary focus of care at this stage is to ensure the individual’s comfort, safety, and emotional well-being. They might require comprehensive support, including personal care, physical therapy, and a safe and comfortable environment.
Emotional and psychological support becomes crucial due to their reduced social interactions, increased dependence, and possible feelings of confusion or fear due to their cognitive impairment. Providing a consistent routine, simplifying communication, and ensuring their physical comfort can help improve their quality of life at this stage.
The stages of alcohol-related dementia are a complex journey that deeply affects the individual and their loved ones. Recognizing these stages, understanding their challenges, and providing the right interventions and support can make a significant difference in managing this condition. (3)
