If you have a parent, grandparent or other aging family member suffering from Alzheimer\u2019s disease, just knowing what you may expect as the disease progresses can offer some comfort.<\/p>\n
Not all sufferers of Alzheimer\u2019s will experience the same symptoms, and the speed of their decline may vary as well.\u00a0 But no matter what your experience with the disease may be, it can no doubt be a painful one.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s difficult to place an individual with Alzheimer\u2019s disease into a specific stage since the phases they go through may actually overlap a bit. However, the Alzheimer\u2019s Association has identified seven stages of Alzheimer\u2019s disease based on research from Barry Reisburg, M.D., the clinical director of the New York University School of Medicine\u2019s Siberstein Aging and Dementia Research Center.<\/p>\n
Stage 1 \u2013 Normal\/No Impairment:<\/strong> This person has not experienced any memory-related issues and overall is mentally healthy. They have no problems with judgment, communication skills or daily activities.<\/p>\n Stage 2 \u2013 Normal Forgetfulness\/Very Mild Decline:<\/strong> Half of all people over age 65 begin noticing some cognitive difficulties, but this is considered a normal part of aging. Occasional lapses of memory occur but aren\u2019t noticed by family or friends.<\/p>\n Stage 3 \u2013 Mild Cognitive Impairment\/Early Confusion:<\/strong> Your loved one may experience mild changes in memory, behavior, and\/or communication skills. They may have trouble recalling names or words, have difficulty with planning and organization, performing daily tasks, misplacing objects and forgetting things they just learned.<\/p>\n Stage 4 \u2013 Mild Alzheimer\u2019s\/Moderate Decline:<\/strong> Cognitive impairment symptoms are more obvious at this stage and an Alzheimer\u2019s diagnosis can be given. Your loved one will exhibit confusion completing tasks like cooking, driving or shopping. They may forget recent events or conversations and have trouble handling their finances. They may also withdraw socially and experience mood swings or depression.<\/p>\n Stage 5 \u2013 Moderate Alzheimer\u2019s\/Early Dementia:<\/strong> Your loved one will require assistance with day to day activities at this stage and will not be able to live alone anymore. They will experience severe memory loss, disorientation over what day or season it is and decreased personal hygiene skills. However, it is common in this stage for the sufferer to still recognize significant family members and may not need assistance with using the restroom or eating yet.<\/p>\n Stage 6 \u2013 Moderately Severe Alzheimer\u2019s\/Middle Dementia: <\/strong>At this stage your loved one loses the ability to recognize family and has noticeable personality changes, like paranoia, suspiciousness or extreme anxiety. They\u2019ll need help with many basic tasks, from dressing to eating. They may begin to wander and withdraw from their surroundings, or show signs of agitation and hallucinations in the late afternoon or evening hours.<\/p>\n Stage 7 \u2013 Severe Alzheimer\u2019s and Dementia:<\/strong> In this final stage, the sufferer will no longer be able to respond as communication has become very limited. Help will be needed around the clock for all daily personal care.\u00a0 Your loved one may no longer be able to walk or even sit up as their physical systems have deteriorated.<\/p>\n No two Alzheimer\u2019s patients are the same, and each person will progress differently.\u00a0 American Senior Communities<\/a>\u00a0supports goals of the Alzheimer\u2019s Association and offers memory care services<\/a> at most of its 65 communities located throughout Indiana when you can no longer care for your loved one at home.<\/p>\n For more information about Memory Care at American Senior Communities, visit www.ASCSeniorCare.com\/ac<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Facing Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia can feel overwhelming, which is why we are committed to evidence-based care and ongoing education and rely on these trusted organizations that provide families and caregivers with accurate information, research, educational resources, and support throughout the dementia journey.<\/p>\n Alzheimer\u2019s Association of Indiana<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n Alzheimer\u2019s.gov<\/a> (reports\/research)<\/span><\/p>\n AARP Dementia Resource Guide<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n