Stages are usually judged by how much help the person needs in daily life. In early stage, memory and planning problems appear but the person may still manage many activities. In middle stage, they often need help with shopping, meals, medicine, dressing, and remembering where they are. In late stage, they may need full-time support for bathing, feeding, walking, and communication. Doctors use symptoms, function, and behaviour to estimate the stage. A formal assessment can help, but everyday abilities are often the clearest clue.