This describes the typical progression of this condition from the first signs, with the characteristics that may be prevalent.
The diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease is devastating, both for the individual with the disease, and also for those who are closely involved.
The life span of person with Alzheimer's disease is generally reduced, although a person may live anywhere from 3 to 20 years after the first signs. Everyone's experience of the condition will be unique.
This disease can be viewed as a series of stages where symptoms gradually get worse. Some of these symptoms may appear earlier or later, or not at all.
Stage One: This is the early stage of Alzheimer's disease. The individual may be aware of memory loss for recent events. At first, this is periodic and inconsistent and tends to occur in new or unfamiliar places. This difficulty may cause amusement initially, or result in anxiety or irritability. The individual can still carry out most of the activities of daily living (ADLs). These include dressing, undressing, washing, feeding and doing light housekeeping. He or she can still communicate needs and understand what is being said. However, following a TV program will cause difficulty.The person will be forgetful, and show embarrassment or low self-esteem as a result.
Stage Two: This is the middle stage of Alzheimer's disease, and symptoms of memory loss are more pronounced. The person may be less able to dress, prepare food and eat it or perform daily hygiene activities - possibly forgetting to shave or to bathe. The caregiver may need to remind the person to carry out these tasks, which may create agitation. There is increasing disorientation of time (for example, thinking that the year is 1980) and location (for example, thinking that the home is a previous residence from a few years ago). More supervision will be required. Finances, the organization of meals and other decisions will need more assistance from a caregiver. The person with Alzheimer's disease may still be able to keep involved with these routine tasks.
Stage Three: This is the advanced stage. Verbal reminders from caregivers are often not enough now, and more regular, or even constant supervision is required. Language skills (involving speech, writing, understanding the spoken word and reading) may deteriorate and may even reach the point where only simple phrases or familiar expressions are used. The individual may not be able to communicate needs clearly, and agitation may follow confusion. Dressing and bathing may be the responsibility of the caregiver and incontinence (both urinary and fecal) is common in this stage. ADLs are performed variably; however walking and feeding may continue with little change.
Stage Four: At this stage, the individual is completely dependent on the caregiver to meet all needs. There may be little language remaining now. Moving or swallowing causes increasing difficulty. However, joy and laughter can still occur. This can be a traumatic stage for a caregiver, particularly as it is difficult to understand what the individual is experiencing and the realization that the companion on the long journey of the illness no longer can share a recognition or remembrance of the experience. The person eventually dies as even the basic ability of the body to fight infections or to regulate normal functioning is now affected.
It is helpful to remember that at each stage of this progressive disease, there are ways to deal with challenges and to make the most of positive things too. Appropriate management of the disease is essential for everyone whose life is touched by this - or a similar - condition.
The copyright of the article Stages of Alzheimer's Disease in Alzheimer's Disease is owned by Iona K Lister. Permission to republish Stages of Alzheimer's Disease in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
