Alzheimer's disease is difficult to live with and painful to watch. Your loved one loses their ability to think and remember, and in the early stages they know that it is happening. Unlike many illnesses, it doesn't progress in a smooth pattern, but good days and bad days intermingle, making it impossible to know what each day will bring.

The typical progression of the disease has been broken down into seven stages. The stages tend to blur together, but over time there will be more days when the advanced symptoms dominate. Each person will have different behavioral changes and symptoms, and these will change as the Alzheimer's disease progresses. There is no way to know for sure how long each stage will last, and it can be hard to be certain where you are on the spectrum.

The signs of Alzheimer's disease will be different in each person, and you can not predict exactly what symptoms your loved one will display in any given stage. Knowing what each stage involves, however, can help you to notice new symptoms and prepare for the future.

Stage 1: No impairment (normal function)

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

Stage 3: Mild cognitive decline

Stage 4: Moderate cognitive decline (Mild or early-stage)

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

This is the stage when it really gets difficult. Up until this point, many people are able to continue living much in the same way they did before Alzheimer's disease. In stage 3 and 4 driving and money management become difficult, but with some help patients can often stay in their homes. some continue to live alone, with relatives, friends, or paid caregivers giving them the assistance they need. As stage 5 symptoms begin to dominate this will change.

Stage 5 Alzheimer's disease is often characterized by agitation and frustration. Although not able to function normally, the sufferers are able to recognize it and they are often angry. They often take out those frustrations on those that they're closest to, their spouse, children, or other caregiver.

This stage of Alzheimer's disease is also when the memory gaps really begin to take over. Cooking is very very dangerous at this point. People who have cooked their whole lives will forget how to use the stove or begin cooking and leave it unattended, leading to fires or burns.

People also tend to forget their address and phone number. They forget when and where they went to school, and have trouble remembering the date and year. Even simple math may become too difficult. At this point, choosing appropriate clothing becomes a problem. They may emerged dressed for church in pajamas or wearing shorts on a snowy day.

During stage 5 of Alzheimer's disease, most people can remember their names and those of their close family members and friends. Feeding themselves and other basic daily activities, such as using the toilet or getting dressed, may still be within their abilities.

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

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

It's important to remember that every person is unique. Each patient will have their own set of symptoms, and they will progress differently. Understanding the stages of Alzheimer's disease may help to take away some of the fear that often accompanies it.

If you would like to read more articles on Alzheimer's care, visit www.OurCareCommunity.com - a free resource for families looking for eldercare for a loved one. Members can share their ideas and experiences, find the latest information on senior care issues, 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 eldercare as well as a professional providing it, she understands the needs and concerns of all involved.


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

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