Signs of Alzheimer's Advancement

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disorder and is attributed to a majority of dementia cases. Alzheimer's disease destroys brain cells, so the patient's memory and intellectual abilities become impaired, and he is unable to survive without medical treatment and supportive care. It's estimated that more than 5.3 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's, and the disease progresses at different stages, depending on the individual. Scientists have categorized the different progressive stages of Alzheimer's disease to detect warning signs and the severity of the condition.

Stage 1 and 2

• These two stages are early in the patient's decline, and there are little to no warning signs. The patient may have slight memory loss or confusion, but most people ignore these early signs, attributing them to simple, age-related lapses in memory and not Alzheimer's disease. These two early stages are difficult to detect even during typical physical examinations by doctors.

Stage 3

• Stage 3 is when more moderate symptoms occur. Family members and friends may notice more pronounced memory loss. The patient may forget names more frequently, and very little information is retained after she reads a written passage. Performance issues at work or home and the inability to organize and remember locations of objects are also warning signs of stage 3 Alzheimer's disease.

Stage 4

• This stage is when more acute memory loss is apparent in the patient. An Alzheimer's patient at stage 4 might forget entire chunks of personal history. The patient may forget recent outings or events with family or friends, and severe confusion at mathematical problems can occur.

Stage 5

• Once a patient reaches stage 5 of Alzheimer's, he is in need of assistance for day-to-day living and supportive care. The patient has moderately severe memory loss and cognitive skills, so simple things, like remembering how to cook, clean, or recalling where specific necessary items are located, are lost. During physical examinations, the patient may forget his name or address.

Stage 6

• Stage 6 is characterized by severe mood swings and personality changes. The Alzheimer's patient may forget the name of loved ones, and the recollection of her history and where she is located is severely impaired. This is also the stage at which patients wander, and delusions or hallucinations may occur.

Stage 7

• Stage 7 is the final stage in Alzheimer's progression. The patient loses motor functions like speaking and walking and the ability to respond to environmental stimulus. Complete control of certain functions, like swallowing, smiling or maintaining posture, is lost. The patient is in need of complete medical and assisted care at the final stage.