Alzheimer’s Stages That Define The Progression Of The Disorder

Alzheimer's stages follow an inevitable progression

Modern science and the latest evidence on Alzheimer’s Stages makes it easier for the general public to come to terms with the experience and feelings felt by an Alzheimer’s patient. This insight can help individuals and family members when dealing with a loved one who suffers from Alzheimer’s Disease. With the numbers increasing for those afflicted with the disorder , this information often becomes a most valuable tool. Over 5 million people in the United States have now been diagnosed with the disease. It takes a toll not only on the patient but on families and loved ones during the process of the disease. Keep in mind these defined Alzheimer’s stages only serve as guidelines and actual symptoms and type of care required during each stage may vary widely.

The first of the Alzheimer’s stages is simply old age

The first of the Alzheimer’s stages is ‘no impairment’ where the patient is functioning on a normal level. Here, if they were to be examined by a physician, there would be no evidence of any Alzheimer’s symptoms. Stage two of this disorder is referred to as ‘very mild cognitive decline’ and may often be related to old age changes that are quite normal as we get older. Individuals may forget the location of items or directions to a specific place but there is no evidence of dementia taking place even when examined by a physician.

Of all the Alzheimer’s stages, these first two are possible the most difficult to fully recognize.

Alzheimer’s stages gradually become more noticeable

Of the defined Alzheimer’s stages the third, ‘mild cognitive decline’, is one which becomes more noticeable to friends and family. A physician is also able to pick up on the loss of memory and concentration. There is noticeable trouble finding the right word and remembering where objects are located. The ability to carry out plans, steps, directions, and logical conclusions also suffer at this stage.

The first stage of Alzheimer’s Disease is the reached

These observations are reinforced when the disease progresses to the fourth of the Alzheimer’s stages. Such behaviour is even more apparent and is called ‘moderate cognitive decline’ and is defined as the first stage of the disease itself setting into motion. During a medical exam there is clear cut evidence of the beginning of the disorder to a physician. Some of the symptoms include difficulty with numbers, moodiness, forgetting recent events, and real difficulty performing complex tasks. From here, the disease usually follows inevitably into the last three Alzheimer’s stages.

The Alzeimer’s Stages of ‘severe cognitive decline’

The fifth of the recognised Alzheimer’s stages is called ‘moderately severe cognitive decline’ where there are real gaps in memory and the patient needs help in performing everyday tasks. This can rapidly progress to the next of the Alzheimer’s stages which is ‘severe cognitive decline’ where the patient losses awareness of everyday activities. They suffer from changes in sleep patterns, may not recognize family members, and need help in all aspects of daily activities. They tend to wander off and get lost unless under close supervision.

The seventh stage of the recognized Alzheimer’s Stages is ‘very severe cognitive decline’. Patients lose the ability to respond to their circumstances and need help at every level including eating and going to the bathroom. They may be unable to sit without support or hold their head up. Reflexes become abnormal, muscles grow rigid and swallowing becomes impaired.

The importance of Knowing the Alzheimer’s stages

Knowledge of these Alzheimer’s stages provides a good background for any family member or other care giver as they contemplate the prospect of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease. However, more information is available both on this website and elsewhere on the Net, and you are encouraged to seek further information on how best to support your loved one as they unfortunately progress through the various Alzheimer’s stages.

Alzheimer’s stages do follow an inevitable path, but the experience is a very individual one, so for further help in the future why not keep in touch with me via Twitter (@ DonMClaassen)?