Recognizing Each Stage of Alzheimer’s Disease

An individual afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease can expect to go through several predictable stages as the disease causes their brain cells to disconnect and die. The damage begins with the cells responsible for controlling memory and learning functions and gradually spreads to those cells that control thinking, behavior, and judgment. Eventually even the cells that have to do with coordination and movement are affected.

There are basically seven stages that Alzheimer’s patients progress through. In the beginning certain functions are mildly impaired, but at the end of the disease there is a severe decline in functionality. Dr. Barry Reisberg, the clinical director of the New York University School of Medicine’s Silberstein Aging and Dementia Research Center provided the framework for these stages. Understanding each stage of Alzheimer’s disease enables those caring for individuals with Alzheimer’s to provide better care and choose appropriate treatments.

Identifying Each Stage of Alzheimer’s

Stage 1: This stage of Alzheimer’s is characterized by no symptoms yet. The person has Alzheimer’s but this is not evident to them or anyone else around them.

Stage 2: At this stage of Alzheimer’s, a mild cognitive decline might be seen. This could also be attributed to the normal aging process, but it is one of the earliest signs of Alzheimer’s. Individuals may notice themselves having memory lapses, forgetting where they put things, not remembering someone familiar’s name. Usually these symptoms are not noticeable to the person’s family, co-workers, or friends, nor is it picked up at a routine doctor’s appointment.

Stage 3: A mild cognitive decline begins at this stage of Alzheimer’s. Some people can be diagnosed with the disease at this point. Other people may start to notice that the person is becoming increasingly forgetful, and a doctor may be able to measure this deficiency. Losing things becomes more commonplace, as well as a decreasing ability to plan or organize one’s life.

Stage 4: The cognitive decline is more pronounced at this stage of Alzheimer’s. A visit to the doctor can definitely bring to light some pronounced deficiencies. The person may not be able to remember current events, have an inability to perform simple math problems, can’t seem to remember their own personal history. Family members may report that the person can no longer be responsible for planning meals or balancing a checkbook. There could also be some personality changes at this stage.

Stage 5: This stage of Alzheimer’s is the mid-stage; the loss of cognitive function is becoming more severe. There are major memory problems, much more confusion, lack of judgment, but they can still remember their own name and recognize family members.

Stage 6: The decline now is pronounced and severe. Some noticeable personality changes may surface. At this stage of Alzheimer’s, the person definitely needs help with the basic tasks of daily life. They can easily wander off, they have trouble sleeping, and may experience a loss of bladder or bowel control.

Stage 7: Patients in this stage exhibit the most severe symptoms. This is the final stage of Alzheimer’s. Individuals might lose their ability to speak, they are reliant on others totally for their basic needs. Ultimately they lose control of their movements – their muscles can become rigid and they can experience difficulty in swallowing.

Knowing what symptoms each stage of Alzheimer’s brings can help caregivers and medical professionals wisdom and understanding as they deal with those who suffer from this terrible disease.