Alzheimer's disease can take years to worsen, or it can progress quickly. Hard to predict, it can effect each individual in unique ways. These things make it hard for caregivers and other loved ones to understand and plan for what the future may be. The first two stages of Alzheimer's disease are usually not noticed. The earliest changes are internal and there are no outward signs at all. When symptoms do become noticeable, they are usually so mild that they are dismissed as signs of normal aging or just a distracted and busy lifestyle.

The disease is often diagnosed in stage three. At that point, the decline is usually just beginning to cause real problems. Most people at this stage of Alzheimer's disease are still fairly independent, but should begin planning for later stages. Alzheimer's disease is further complicated because it is not a smooth progression. Good days and bad days are intermixed, so one day may be fulled with stage four or five symptoms, and the next much more like the stage two or three days that you thought were gone. As time passes, there will be more bad days and fewer good ones.

The National Alzheimer's Association has created a seven stage explanation of the progression of Alzheimer's disease. This can be a helpful tool as you plan for the future. Knowing what changes may be coming can help you to make sure that your loved on has the care they need to be safe, healthy, and comfortable.

Stage 1: No impairment (normal function)

Stage 2: Very mild cognitive decline (symptoms mistaken for normal age-related changes)

Stage 3: Mild cognitive decline

Stage 4: Moderate cognitive decline (mild or early Alzheimer's disease)

As stage four begins, there are usually clear signs that a careful examination and history should discover. Often, patients have trouble understanding or remembering recent events, including both major world events and personal ones such as holidays and family news. There are standard tests to measure this stage, such as having the patient count backwards from 75 by 7s. Other signs are difficulties in thinking ahead, such as planning meals or other events, and struggling with certain daily tasks like balancing a checkbook or paying bills.

They key to these tests is change. There are many people with no signs of dementia who have never been able to balance a checkbook in their life, and for them this is normal. The early signs of Alzheimer's disease are problems with planning, abstract thinking, and organization, as well as general forgetfulness.

Short term memory is usually the first to show signs of trouble. While everyone misplaces keys or glasses occasionally, these events become much more common. Getting lost while driving to a familiar area is another common sign. Follwing this stage, Alzheimer's disease becomes more obvious, as symptoms begin to cause drastic changes to daily activities and patients need more and more assistance.

Stage 5: Moderately severe cognitive decline (Moderate or mid-stage)

Stage 6: Severe cognitive decline (Moderately severe or mid-stage)

Stage 7: Very severe cognitive decline (Severe or late-stage)

As Alzheimer's disease progresses, the symptoms become both more common and more severe. Occasionally struggling to remember a name becomes an inability to remember who friends and neighbors are. It is a hard disease to watch as your loved one changes, but knowing what is likely to come can make it easier.

To read more articles on Alzheimer's and other senior care related issues, please visit www.OurCareCommunity.com - a free eldecare resource where members can find the latest information on senior care issues, share their ideas and experiences, and connect with other members to get answers and advice.


Contributing Editor: Julie Sanocki, CNA
Julie is a graduate of the Certified Nursing Assistant program and has over 10 years experience in elder care. Having been a family member arranging elder care as well as a professional providing it, she understands the needs and concerns of all involved.


For more information please visit: Our care community Alzheimer's care and Our Care Community dementia care

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