Stages of Alzhiemers

Each September, people from around the United States participate in Memory Walks to help raise awareness of Alzheimer's disease. The disease impacts more than 5 million people and there is no known cure. Alzheimer's damages and destroys nerve cells in the brain, leading to memory loss, significant personality changes and physical impairments.



According to the Mayo Clinic, a person diagnosed with Alzheimer's typically lives four to six years, but can survive for as many as 20 years. Alzheimer's impacts each person differently and it is difficult to say how quickly the disease will progress.

Mild

• In the first stage of Alzheimer's, family, friends and co-workers begin to notice changes. The person may become withdrawn or quiet and they may be more prone to show anger and impatience. Memory loss is apparent in this stage as the person struggles to remember correct names and words when speaking. Although they can recall past events and information, they have trouble remembering where they placed objects and with new information or the names of people they just met. Mild Alzheimer's is also characterized by a difficulty with planning and organization. Complex tasks like balancing a checkbook can present a problem as can the duties required by a job.

Moderate

• As Alzheimer's progresses to the moderate stage, memory loss worsens. Recent events can be forgotten as well as the details of the past and personal information like address and phone number. In this stage, people may confuse familiar faces and forget where they are and what day, or even time of year it is. Because of this, those with moderate Alzheimer's have increased difficulty performing tasks that require concentration. They may begin to need help with daily activities like picking out clothing and grooming. Personality changes are also more profound with moderate Alzheimer's. Moodiness and irritability grows, especially in social situations. People may become increasingly suspicious, angry and irritable.

Severe

• Severe Alzheimer's is the final and most serious stage of the disease. Memory loss and personality changes are most drastic in this stage as are physical changes. Communication or coherent communication can completely cease. Severe Alzheimer's requires daily assistance to perform tasks like bathing and going to the bathroom. A person in the late stage of Alzheimer's will have no recollection or awareness of recent events, or their own history. They may still recognize family members, but not names. They may also have no awareness of their surroundings and may leave their home or care facility and become lost. In this stage, the muscles can become stiff and walking, sitting and holding the head up all require support.