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Alzheimer's Disease Long-Term Effects

If you have a loved one with Alzheimer's disease, you have probably seen mental and physical changes occur over time. Doctors have divided some of those changes, which characterize the progression of this mind-crippling disease, into seven stages. The first stage is like the barometer, where there is no impairment, while stage five signifies the transition from mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease, according to the nonprofit organization Helpguide.

  1. Early Stages

    • To get a better feel for the progression of the disease, you have to understand how it first starts to impact a person. In the early stages, known as mild AD, a loved one suffering from Alzheimer's may ask the same questions over and over or he may put common objects in odd places--such as a book in a refrigerator. Recent memories may escape him, and loved ones may start to notice personality changes such as more aggressiveness or paranoia, according to the Mayo Clinic.

    Escalation

    • By the time AD has reached the moderate or fifth stage your loved one may not be able to remember his phone number or address. He may have a hard time doing simple math, and his judgment may be impaired, according to Helpguide. For the first time, he may not be able to recognize you or other loved one's faces.

    Stage 6

    • The sixth stage marks the first of what is considered to be severe cognitive decline, according to the Alzheimer's Association. At this point, your loved one may need help getting around, using the bathroom or dressing himself. He may also start to suffer from delusions or hallucinations, or compulsions that weren't present in the past.

    End Stage

    • The last stage is considered to be very severe. At this point, your loved one may not be able to respond to the outside environment. He may have difficulty controlling his muscles, and may only mutter, mumble or moan. It's at this point where there may be concern about your loved one eating, as he may not be able to swallow as he once did, which increases the risk of choking. The disease may progress so much he won't be able to hold up his head without outside support, according to the Alzheimer's Association.

    Duration

    • According to the Helpguide, the gradual progression of the disease usually takes about eight to 10 years. It's rare for a loved one to survive more than 20 years from the point when the first neurological changes are observed.

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