The Stages of Alzheimer's Disease | Everything You Should Know

Alzheimer's disease is a serious form of dementia that negatively affects a person's thinking, behavior, and memory. When a person is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, some cells and cell connections within the brain begin to degenerate before eventually dying off.

Even though there is currently no cure for Alzheimer's, there are methods that can be used to slow the progression of it. If you believe that someone close to you is starting to develop Alzheimer's, it's important to understand the three stages of Alzheimer's disease and how to identify the many symptoms that occur during these stages.

Early-Stage Alzheimer's

At this Alzheimer's stage, you should only experience some mild symptoms. However, identifying these symptoms early on can help you obtain treatment during the first stage of the disease, which may slow its progression.

During early-stage Alzheimer's, you should still be able to function as an independent person. While you can still work, drive, and participate in various social activities, you may start to notice some mild symptoms, the primary of which involve memory lapses. If you find yourself forgetting where normal objects are kept in your home, this could indicate the initial stages of Alzheimer's. The same is true if you've recently forgotten some basic words that you once used regularly.

Symptoms are typically difficult to detect during early-stage Alzheimer's. However, your close friends and family members could notice some behavioral changes, which might be enough to notify a doctor and receive an early diagnosis. Along with the symptoms mentioned previously, you may also find it difficult to think of the right name or word during a normal conversation. Even though you should still be able to work, it could be a hassle to perform some of the work tasks that have been assigned to you.

If you take care of your overall health, you shouldn't find it too difficult to lead a normal life at this stage of Alzheimer's. However, since many patients retain most of their memory at this stage of the disease, it's highly recommended that you take steps to put your financial and legal plans in place. This should prepare you for the latter stages of Alzheimer's.

Middle-Stage Alzheimer's

During the middle stage of Alzheimer's, you will likely begin to experience moderate symptoms that are easier to notice. This stage can last many years. The treatments that are administered during middle-stage Alzheimer's center around slowing the progression of the disease and making sure that you don't progress to late-stage Alzheimer's for as long as possible. A higher level of care is often necessary for anyone who is experiencing middle-stage Alzheimer's. This care can be administered at anassisted living facility like ours.

While this stage is ongoing, the symptoms of dementia become more noticeable. You may start to act differently, become angry more easily, and confuse words. Some of the nerve cells in your brain will have sustained significant damage by this time, which could create difficulties for you when it comes to completing everyday tasks or expressing your thoughts. Because this stage lasts longer than the others, the symptoms are more varied and can differ from person to person.

You may start to forget some of your personal history or information about yourself. Social events could become more difficult to attend if you begin to feel withdrawn and moody. At this stage of the disease, a person can be confused about what day of the week it is and where they are at the moment. Behavioral and personality changes are common during middle-stage Alzheimer's. These changes can include compulsive behaviors and delusion.

When a person first progresses to middle-stage Alzheimer's, everyday tasks can still be performed with some assistance. However, it might be necessary to simplify some of these tasks. Once you get closer to late-stage Alzheimer's, intensive care may be required.

Late-Stage Alzheimer's

The third and final stage of Alzheimer's is late-stage Alzheimer's. Dementia symptoms will be at their most severe once you reach this stage. You may become unable to control your movements, converse with other people, and respond to your surrounding environment. Even though people who have late-stage Alzheimer’s are still able to speak, it becomes more difficult for them to communicate the pain they're experiencing.

Keep in mind that substantial personality changes are common during late-stage Alzheimer's because of worsened cognitive and memory skills. Most individuals who have late-stage Alzheimer’s will require constant assistance. Some of the physical changes that occur during this stage include issues with sitting, walking, and swallowing. Infections like pneumonia are also more likely to occur. Support services are highly recommended during this stage of Alzheimer's to ensure that the affected individual lives a comfortable and dignified life.

If your loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and you believe that assisted living is right for them, contact Brookfield Senior Living today to learn more about the assisted living and memory care services we provide.