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Stages of Alzheimers Disease

Familiarizing yourself with the stages of Alzheimer's may help you recognize the signs and symptoms in a loved one, friend or coworker. There are seven stages of progression although the first two stages are impossible to discern and the third may only be recognizable by close friends and family. If you know what each stage produces you will be more equipped to deal with the behaviors of a person that has Alzheimer's.

  1. Early Stages of Alzheimer's

    • The early stages of Alzheimer's are unnoticeable. Even a physician cannot determine that a person is suffering. During the first stage, the patient can still function normally as though there is nothing wrong. There is no memory or recognition loss at all. Symptoms continue to go unnoticed during the second stage. There may be some slight memory loss, which appears to be nothing more than a typical stage of aging and forgetfulness.

    Moderate Stages of Alzheimer's

    • Alzheimer's can be determined by a physician and noticed by close friends and family during the moderate stages of progression. The third stage, although considered mild, includes problems such as forgetting names, locations, a decrease in work performance and retaining little information through reading or conversation. The fourth stage is noticeable to almost everyone. The person suffering can forget performing recent tasks, decreased ability to perform mathematics or everyday tasks and even forgetting personal history.

    Severe Stages of Alzheimer's

    • Stage five of Alzheimer's progression seems startling with symptoms such as the patient forgetting their own home address or phone number. They may forget where they are, how they got there or what day it is. This confusion is very profound. Stage six means helping the patient get dressed and decreased motor skills and personality changes. Stage seven, results in the loss of ability to speak or function and even the ability to move.

    Suggestions

    • There are a number of things that you can do to help someone suffering from Alzheimer's. In the beginning there may only be simple tasks that you would have to help them with such as finances and setting appointments. By the end you will have to determine whether or not you want to hire an in-home caretaker or look into a nursing home. This will vary depending upon the person that is suffering from Alzheimer's.

    Tips

    • The Alzheimer's Association states that "as many as 5.3 million people in the United States are living with Alzheimer's." Since so many people suffer from Alzheimer's, you should consider making future plans in the event that you should develop this disease. Plan for future finances and health care options. Determine whether or not family and friends will be available for you to continue living at home or consider looking into a nursing home that benefits you.

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