Progress of Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease is a debilitating disease that most commonly affects elderly people. Alzheimer's is characterized by a set of identifiable, progressive clinical stages.

Forgetfulness Stage

• A person in the "normal aged forgetfulness" stage is considered to be generally healthy, but she may experience changes in mood and behavior as well as diminishing functional and cognitive abilities. Difficulty may be experienced in recalling names and where items have been placed. Concentration may be difficult, as well as finding the right words to speak.

Mild Cognitive Impairment Stage

• This stage of Alzheimer's is marked by noticeable repetition of questions, decline in decision-making, decreased job performance and extreme difficulty mastering new skills.

Mild Stage

• Impairment in this stage becomes most noticeable as the patient displays an inability to remember recent major events; he may also have difficulty recalling seasons and managing personal finances.

Moderate Stage

• During this stage, the patient becomes less responsive emotionally, which is thought to be a result of her denial of her condition at this stage. She is prone to withdraw from conversations and other social interaction.

Moderately Severe Stage

• This stage of Alzheimer's disease requires the patient to rely heavily on others, as cognitive deficits are most pronounced. He may need assistance going to the bathroom, cleaning up after himself and putting on his clothes. He may misidentify close family members.

Severe Stage

• Marked by the patient's loss of all intelligible speech and mobility, this stage is the most severe. Severe Alzheimer's disease also involves joint deformities and diminished reflexes.