Early Vs. Late Alzheimer's

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, irreversible disease that affects the brain. Slowly, it will destroy a person's thought process, memory and ability to function. It is believed that up to 4 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease, whether it be early onset or late.

Memory and Sensory Problems

• During early onset, changes in memory, memory problems and the loss of memory are the first signs of Alzheimer's disease. Also noticeable in the early stages are difficulty in distinguishing smells and tastes.

Daily Tasks

• Mild Alzheimer's disease symptoms may include difficulty performing daily tasks, managing money, poor judgment, getting lost, mood changes and taking a long time to complete simple, every day chores.

Moderate Alzheimer's

• As the disease progresses, a person may find it impossible to get fully dressed, they may not recognize familiar faces, they may have hallucinations, they may become paranoid, they may have trouble putting words together, and they may not be able to learn new things or cope with daily events.

Severe Alzheimer's

• In advanced Alzheimer's, a person cannot communicate or recognize friends and family. They cannot function on their own, and rely on others for daily care.

End Stages

• The end stages of Alzheimer's disease often render a person completely unable to take care of themselves and unable to leave bed. Eventually the body's organs will shut down.

Signs

• The Alzheimer's Association notes that most people have some of these symptoms at one time. Several and frequent signs that alert a problem include memory loss, problem-solving difficulties, difficulty performing daily tasks, confusion with time and place, visual problems, trouble speaking and writing, getting lost, poor judgment, personalty changes, and withdrawal.