Does the disease Dementia progress in stages the way Alzheimer's does?

My grandfather has Dementia, and I want to know if it will get progressivly worse the way Alzheimer's does. Sometimes he forgets who I am, but after a few minutes he eventually comes around and remembers. Well recently he would remember who I am, but a few minutes later he forgets again. He goes through that cycle over and over, which he didn't do before. Or, even worse when I visit him he has no clue who I am at all, from the start. He doesn't know me, and he doesn't eventually remember like he usually does. Is this a permanent occurance, or will he eventually remember me again. Is it like Alzheimer's where, once he reaches a certain point he won't come back, or is this just a phase in his condition. Basically, right now he doesn't know who I am and I want to know if he will remember eventually, or will he never know who I am again. I talk to him a lot, he is a very important person in my life, and I need to know if I will get him back, will he know who I am, and will he remember.

unfortunately, it doesn't get any better. my 83 year old mother-in law lives with us now as she is not able to care for herself, she has her good days and bad days. (she has moderate dementia) it is sad to see someone you love not able to function as they have in the past, and become confused with daily life. no matter if your grandfather recognizes you or not, keep understanding that no matter what, he is still your grandfather, and don't be too concerned with whether he remembers who you are or not. just love and care for him as always, no matter how he responds. my heart is with you as you journey through this....remember, you are not alone....a lot of us out there are experiencing similar things. best of luck!!

Yes, unfortunatly it does get worse, memory comes & goes, & eventually it reaches a point where they dont remember anything short tearm, Then nothing at all.My Dad had it, & it was so sad to see .My thoughts are with you & your family.

dementia is a pretty complicated thing, my grandfather had it to..it will go in stages, sometimes he will remember sometimes he wont, but eventualy it will reach a stage where he has almost no memory left. some people continue remembering, then forgetting for the rest of there lives..while others once it is gone..it just doesn't come back.

Please see the webpages for more details on Dementia.

Alzheimer's is a form of dementia. You'd have to look up the specific type of dementia he has to find out what happens with it. I know offhand there is vascular dementia which comes from a stroke or something like it, and the type which comes from Parkinson's, and I'm not sure what else.