Dementia is most commonly diagnosed in the mild to moderate stage, which corresponds roughly to stages 3 to 4 on the seven-stage scale. At this point memory problems are noticeable enough to affect daily life and can no longer be attributed to normal ageing. Unfortunately, many people are not diagnosed until symptoms are already quite pronounced, partly because early signs are subtle and partly because people delay seeking help. Early-stage diagnosis is possible and highly beneficial, as it allows the person to plan ahead, access support sooner, and potentially benefit from medication that slows progression.