Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia that affects the brain. Symptoms usually develop slowly and worsen over time, becoming severe enough to interfere with daily activities. Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. There are different Alzheimer’s disease stages, each with different symptoms. The disease progresses from mild to severe, and symptoms can differ from person to person. Keep reading to learn more about the different stages of Alzheimer’s disease.
Early-Stage Alzheimer’s
Early-stage Alzheimer’s is a difficult time for both the person with the disease and their loved ones. As the disease progresses, the person’s ability to think and remember declines. They may become confused, forgetful, and have trouble completing tasks. In the early stage of Alzheimer’s, the person with the disease may experience:
- difficulty with memory, especially recalling recent events
- difficulty with language, including speaking, understanding, and reading
- difficulty with reasoning and problem-solving
- decreased ability to plan and organize
- decreased ability to think abstractly
- changes in mood and behavior, including irritability, anxiety, and depression
The early-stage symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease can be difficult to identify, as they can be mistaken for signs of normal aging. However, over time, the symptoms will become increasingly difficult to ignore. There is no easy answer when it comes to caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease. But with patience and love, it is possible to make this difficult time a little bit easier.
Mid-Stage Alzheimer’s
Mid-stage Alzheimer’s is a difficult time for both the person with the disease and their loved ones. As the disease progresses, the person with Alzheimer’s begins to lose their ability to think logically and remember things. They may become agitated, confused, and even aggressive. This can be very difficult for family and friends to deal with, as they may not know how to react or what to say. It is important to remember that the person with Alzheimer’s is still the same person, even though their disease is progressing. They still need love, compassion, and understanding. Try to keep communication open, and be patient with them. They may not be able to express themselves the way they used to, but they still understand what is going on around them. If you are a loved one of someone with mid-stage Alzheimer’s, here are some things you can do to help: Be patient and understanding, keep communication open, stay positive, encourage them to stay active, make sure they are comfortable and safe, and be there for them.
Late-Stage Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that gradually destroys a person’s memory and ability to think clearly. As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, symptoms become more severe. In the late stage of Alzheimer’s disease, people may become completely unable to care for themselves. They may lose the ability to speak, walk, eat, or dress. They may also experience changes in mood and behavior, such as becoming agitated, aggressive, or resistant to care. This stage of Alzheimer’s can be a difficult time for both the person with Alzheimer’s disease and their loved ones. It’s important to provide supportive care and seek help from professionals if needed. As a person’s Alzheimer’s disease progresses, they will experience a wide range of symptoms. The most common symptoms of late-stage Alzheimer’s are the inability to recognize people or objects, the inability to communicate, trouble swallowing, problems with balance and coordination, and the inability to take care of oneself.
Overall, the different stages of Alzheimer’s disease are important to understand in order to provide the best possible care for people who are living with the disease. Each stage brings its own challenges and requires different approaches to care. This guide outlines each stage one by one to provide an overview of what to expect.
