Chapter 4-3 Stages of Alzheimer's Disease

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4-3 Stages of Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease typically progresses slowly in three general stages—mild (early stage), moderate (middle stage), and severe (late-stage). The disease affects people in different ways; each person experiences symptoms—or progress through Alzheimer's stages—differently. The following summary of the Stages of Alzheimer's disease is taken from the Alzheimer's Association's Website, and is presented here with the Association's permission.

4-3:1 Overview of Disease Progression

The symptoms of Alzheimer's disease worsen over time, although the rate at which the disease progresses varies. On average, a person with Alzheimer's lives four to eight years after diagnosis, but some people live as long as 20 years, depending on other factors.

Changes in the brain related to Alzheimer's begin years before any signs of the disease become manifest. This time period, which can last for several years, is referred to as preclinical Alzheimer's disease.

4-3:2 Mild Alzheimer's Disease (Early Stage)

In the early stages of Alzheimer's, a person may function independently. He or she may still drive, work, and be part of social activities. Despite this, the person may feel as if he or she is having memory lapses, such as forgetting familiar words or the location of everyday objects.

Friends, family, or neighbors begin to notice difficulties. During a detailed medical interview, doctors may be able to detect problems in memory or concentration. Common difficulties include:

• problems coming up with the right word or name;

• trouble remembering names when introduced to new people;

• having greater difficulty performing tasks in social or work settings;

• forgetting material that one has just read;

• losing or misplacing a valuable object; and

• increasing trouble with planning or organizing.³⁵

4-3:3 Moderate Alzheimer's Disease (Middle Stage)

Moderate Alzheimer's is typically the longest stage and can last for many years. As the disease progresses, the person with Alzheimer's will require a greater level of care.

The Alzheimer's patient may begin confusing his or her words, getting frustrated or angry, or acting in unexpected ways, such as refusing to bathe. Damage to nerve cells in the brain can make it difficult for the patient to express his or her thoughts and perform routine tasks.

At this point, symptoms will be noticeable to others and may include:

• forgetfulness of events or about one's own personal history;

• feeling moody or

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