The Three Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease:

Alzheimer’s Disease typically progresses slowly in three general stages-mild (early-stage), moderate (middle-stage) and severe (late-stage). Since Alzheimer’s affects people in different ways, each person will experience symptoms or progress through Alzheimer’s stages-differently.

The symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease worsen over time, although the rate at which the disease progresses varies. on average, a person with Alzheimer’s lives four to eight years after diagnosis but can live as long as 20 years, depending on other factors.

Changes in the brain related to Alzheimer’s begin years before any signs of the disease. This time period, which can last for years, is referred to as preclinical Alzheimer’s disease.

The stages below provide an overall idea of how abilities change once symptoms appear and should only be used as a general guide. They are separated into three  different categories; mild Alzheimer’s disease, moderate Alzheimer’s disease and severe Alzheimer’s disease. Be aware that it may be  difficult to place a person with Alzheimer’s in a specific stage as stages may overlap.

Mild Alzheimer’s Disease (early-stage):

In the early stages of Alzheimer’s , a person may function independently. He or she may still drive, work and be part of social activities. Despite this, the person may feel as if he or she is having memory lapses, such as forgetting familiar words or the location of everyday objects.

Friends, family or neighbors begin to notice difficulties. During a detailed medical interview, doctors may be able to detect problems in memory or concentration. Common difficulties include:

*Problems coming up with the right word or name.

*Trouble remembering names when introduced to new people.

*Having greater difficulty performing tasks in social or work settings.

*Forgetting material that one has just read.

*Losing or misplacing a valuable object.

Moderate Alzheimer’s disease (middle-stage):

Moderate Alzheimer’s is typically the longest stage and can last for many years. As the disease progresses, the person with Alzheimer’s will require a greater level of care. You may notice the person with Alzheimer’s confusing words, getting frustrated or angry or acting in unexpected way, such as refusing to bathe. Damage to nerve cells in the brain can make it difficult to express thoughts and perform routine tasks.

At this point, symptoms will be noticeable to others and may include:

*Forgetfulness of events to about one’s own personal history.

*Feeling moody or withdrawn, especially in socially or mentally challenging situation.

*Being unable to recall their own address or telephone number or the high school or college from which they graduated.

*Confusion about where they are or what day it is. The need for help choosing proper clothing for the season or the occasion.

*Trouble controlling bladder and bowels in some individuals.

*Changes in sleep patterns, such as sleeping during the day and becoming restless at night.

*An increase risk of wandering and becoming lost.

*Personally and behavioral changes, including suspiciousness and delusions or compulsive, repetitive behavior like hand-wringing or tissue shredding.

Severe Alzheimer’s disease (late-stage):

In the final stage of this disease, individuals lose the ability to respond to their environment to carry on a conversation and eventually to control movement. They may still say words or phrases but communicating pain becomes difficult. As memory and cognitive skills continue to worsen, personality changes may take place and individuals need extensive help with daily activities.

At this stage, individuals may:

*Require full-time around the clock assistance with daily personal care.

*Lose awareness of recent experiences as well as of their surroundings.

*Require high levels of assistance with daily activities and personal care.

*Experience changes in physical abilities, including the ability to walk, sit and eventually swallow.

*Have increasing difficulty communicating.

*Become vulnerable to infections, especially pneumonia.

Act Now Foundation Alzheimer’s Awareness

830 Bergen Avenue, Suite 8A

Jersey City, New Jersey 07306

(201) 721-6721

Disclaimer: this information was taken directly from the Act Now Foundation handout. I have not used the service so I have no opinion of the service either yes or no. Please call the foundation for more information.