The severity of the decline, with mild impairment as the threshold for diagnosis, should be assessed as follows:

Mild:

The decline in cognitive abilities causes impaired performance in daily living, but not to a degree making the individual dependent on others. More complicated daily tasks or recreational activities cannot be undertaken.

Moderate:

The decline in cognitive abilities makes the individual unable to function without the assistance of another in daily living, including shopping and handling money. Within the home, only simple chores are preserved. Activities are increasingly restricted and poorly sustained.

Severe: The decline is characterized by an absence, or virtual absence, of intelligible ideation.

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