Alzheimer’s Disease Progression: The Main Stages

Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease that destroys a person’s mind and eventually their body. It was discovered in 1906 by a German doctor, Alois Alzheimer’s. Although vas strides have been made in treatment and care options, there is still no known cure for the disease. And since it progresses at different rates in different individuals, it’s hard to show Alzheimer’s disease progression accurately. Still there are some specific stages that each patient goes through. Awareness of Alzheimer’s disease progression will help you know what to expect and how to plan for the unique challenges each stage brings with it.

Stage One

This stage might not seem like it belongs as part of Alzheimer’s disease progression, because the symptoms are not yet evident. Certain early screening procedures have been developed now however that can pinpoint the predisposition to the disease, so this is in fact an important stage in charting the disease.

Stage Two

In this stage of Alzheimer’s disease progression, many people are still not yet diagnosed with the disease. They may begin to exhibit some frequency in forgetfulness. Perhaps they begin to struggle more strongly with depression, or often misplace things. They may have an infrequent episode of becoming disoriented or lost in familiar settings. All of these symptoms are minor; they only become important as the person’s whole personality is taken into account.

Stage Three

Stage three of Alzheimer’s disease progression finds more individuals being diagnosed with the disease. Their symptoms have become more noticeable and more frequent. Family members, friends, and even work colleagues may become aware that something seems out of the ordinary. Language might become slightly impaired, the forgetfulness is more acute, and the individual may have trouble with organizing and planning.

Stage Four

In this stage of Alzheimer’s disease progression, everyone is now aware that something is seriously wrong. Medical intervention is now very necessary. Mental abilities continue to decline and the Alzheimer sufferer is growing increasingly dependent on a caregiver.

Stage Five

This stage of Alzheimer’s disease progression is late-stage, or severe. There is a complete deterioration of the person’s personality. The patient has now become totally dependent upon others for their care, and can no longer operate independently. They may develop incontinence. Gradually even their ability to swallow will become impaired. They develop rigidity in their muscles. This stage is the most severe of all and symptoms will continue to worsen until the person dies.

People spend different amounts of time in each stage, and really the stages overlap during Alzheimer’s disease progresses. But what is certain is that the symptoms in any given stage will continue to worsen as the brain continues its decay. Alzheimer’s is a relentless disease, and what researchers hope today is to discover treatments that can slow down Alzheimer’s disease progression.