How to ID the Stages of Alzheimer's

Five million Americans are afflicted with Alzheimer's. There is no cure for the disease that consumes the brain cells, but early detection and medication can slow the onset. If you learn the symptoms of each stage, you can identify Alzheimer's early on.

Instructions

• 1

  Remember that the first stage of the disease is basically undetectable. The first stage of Alzheimer's is damage of the brain cells. Either plaque is building up in the cells or tangles are forming in the brain cells causing the cell's factory to stop working correctly. The person may still seem as sharp as ever.

• 2

  Look for very mild cognitive decline. Many people forget names and lose keys, but this could be a sign of the first stage of Alzheimer's. There is not much to do at this stage, but if you are concerned, let your doctor know so she can track additional stages.

• 3

  Watch out for something called mild cognitive decline. Look for even more forgetfulness at this stage in the disease's progression. The person may have trouble finishing tasks. He will appear disorganized, forgetting names and losing valuable belongings. If you notice extreme changes in the person's memory, contact a physician.

• 4

  Notice whether the person starts doing odd things, like putting the iron in the refrigerator or forgetting what they did that morning. This stage tends to scare many loved ones. Contact the doctor if you haven't already and join a support group.

• 5

  Observe from afar. The fifth stage is referred to as moderate Alzheimer's. During this stage the person can no longer live on their own. He will get lost in public and leave the stove on and walk out of the house. At this stage, the family should consider a long-term care facility. There are many options available so the loved ones can remain close.

• 6

  Notice signs of further moderately severe Alzheimer's during which the person's personality begins to change. He no longer seems like the same person. He may become angry and accuse loved ones of kidnapping him. He will need help going to the bathroom and other personal hygiene issues will arise.

• 7

  Watch for the final and most severe stage of Alzheimer's. Severe Alzheimer's removes the person's ability to speak, walk, sit up and, eventually, live. The person may appear to be a blank, experessing no emotion. However, watch for a stray smile here and there, those brief, last glimpses of your loved one hiding inside.