What Are the Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease?

There is no universal staging system for Alzheimer’s disease, but when speaking with clients and their families, most doctors use a simple three-stage scale that reflects the evolution of mild, moderate, and severe symptoms over time.

Since each individual progresses through the stages differently, the physical and cognitive changes between them are often blurred. For caregivers who need to plan for their loved one’s needs, here is what you can expect.

Mild Alzheimer’s

The early stages of Alzheimer’s may appear to some as nothing more than normal, age-related forgetfulness. Your loved one may still work, drive, and function in social circles without much obvious change.

Family members and close friends, however, may notice distinct symptoms such as difficulty finding the right words to describe things, forgetting names, misplacing important objects, decreased concentration, and trouble with advanced planning.

Mild Alzheimer’s symptoms usually last from two to four years, but worsen as the disease progresses. As a caregiver, you will need to help your loved one adjust to how symptoms affect their daily activities.

At this stage, people are aware they have Alzheimer’s, but may not be able to effectively plan for memory lapses. The goal is to help them live as normally as possibly with safety precautions in place.

Moderate Alzheimer’s

The moderate stage of Alzheimer’s disease can last up to a decade and as symptoms worsen, your loved one will need more care. Moderate Alzheimer’s is characterized both by memory loss and significant changes in thought and behavior.

While loved one may still recall important people and life events, it becomes increasingly challenging for them to use that information effectively. For example, a lost loved one may recall their street address, but not recognize that it reflects where they live.

At this point, cognitive and personality changes are more apparent. Physical manifestations such as difficulty walking, loss of bladder, bowel function, decreased fine motor control, and changes in sleep patterns occur, making independent living difficult.

At this stage, caregivers need to be especially vigilant about safety and will need to assist with tasks from shopping and bill paying to cooking and personal hygiene.

Severe Alzheimer’s

In the final stages of Alzheimer’s disease, your loved one will require around-the-clock care. They will lose most memory and their ability to participate in daily activities.

This stage may last up to several years and during this time, they will need help to eat, dress, and bathe. Muscles may become rigid, resulting in loss of mobility and difficulty swallowing. Pneumonia is a common consequence of late stage Alzheimer’s disease and is a leading cause of death.

At this time, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but medications can slow its progression. As a family caregiver, you will not only have to help your loved one manage their condition, you will have your own emotions to work through. Plan ahead and don’t be afraid to reach out for help. An expert Newcastle senior care provider can take care of aging adults with Alzheimer’s.