THE STAGES OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE WAS ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED BY JOHN SCHMID ON AUGUST 2, 2010
The Stages of Alzheimer’s—Two Models
There are two recognized models of the stages of Alzheimer’s disease. The two most prevalent models use three and seven divisions respectively to describe the progression of the disease. The easiest one to understand is the three-stage model; early-stage, middle-stage and late-stage or end stage Alzheimer’s disease. We are accustomed to thinking of things happening in threes, or being divided into three parts.
What is Alzheimer’s Disease?
The video below, produced by AboutAlz.org and narrated by David Hyde Pierce, provides a brief but excellent description of what Alzheimer’s is and how the disease progresses through the brain. It makes the connection between the disease spread and the symptoms and stages of Alzheimer’s disease.
What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?
The Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease—Three Stage Model
Easier to understand than the seven stages of Alzheimer’s, the three stage model divides the progression into early, middle, and late stage Alzheimer’s, or mild, moderate, and severe Alzheimer’s disease.
Stage One Alzheimer’s – Mild Alzheimer’s Disease
Not to be confused with younger onset Alzheimer’s or early onset Alzheimer’s, mild Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by some memory loss, especially memory of more recent events. A person in the early stages of Alzheimer’s will likely be able to carry out the daily activities of living, but may begin to forget familiar words and names when speaking, and have trouble finding things like keys. Judgment and attention span will become impaired. (more….)
*Early Alzheimer’s disease, the first stage, should not be confused with early onset Alzheimer’s. “Early onset” or “younger onset Alzheimer’s disease” is a variant of the disease that can affect people more than a decade earlier than Alzheimer’s generally strikes.
Stage Two Alzheimer’s – Moderate Alzheimer’s Disease
The symptoms of moderate Alzheimer’s disease are in large part an increase in the severity of the symptoms of the first stage. Professional and social functioning continue to deteriorate because of increasing problems with memory, logic, speech, and initiative. (more….)
Stage Three Alzheimer’s – Severe Alzheimer’s Disease
Severe Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by almost total memory loss. The person in this last stage of Alzheimer’s usually needs help with all of the basic activities of daily living. She will lose the ability to walk unassisted, and, in time, even to sit up by herself. The body eventually forgets how to carry out the normal biological functions necessary to sustain life. (more….)
The Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease—Seven Stage Model
An alternative model that differentiates seven Alzheimer’s stages, the one promoted by the Alzheimer’s Association, more accurately reflects the step-by-step progression of damage as Alzheimer’s disease travels through the brain. The disease first affects the area of the brain in which new memories are formed. It then moves to other areas affecting different functions, like reasoning or emotions, as it travels. The cerebellum and the brain stem, the last (approximately seventh) areas of the brain to be affected, control basic bodily functions, including breathing, heart-rate, and blood pressure.
Stage One Alzheimer’s
Normal mental Functioning (more….)
Stage Two Alzheimer’s
The beginning of early Alzheimer’s disease or early stage Alzheimer’s – The person may feel that he or she is getting forgetful or losing things, but it is not apparent to others. (more….)
Stage Three Alzheimer’s
Mild symptoms – Friends and family begin to notice that memory and functioning are declining. (more….)
Stage Four Alzheimer’s
Symptoms become more evident – To memory problems are added problems involving reasoning and planning. (more….)
Stage Five Alzheimer’s
Activities of Daily Living begin to be more difficult – Memory problems become more pronounced. The individual may begin to forget personal history. (more….)
Stage Six Alzheimer’s
Personality changes and behavioral disorders become evident – This is the stage that is most associated with Alzheimer’s disease, the stage in which the individual might forget family members, wander, and may start to dress and behave inappropriately. (more….)
Stage Seven Alzheimer’s
Late or final stage Alzheimer’s – The person loses the ability to function in the environment, communication becomes very limited, and finally the organs of the body start shutting down. (more….)
Very often during her progression through the stages of Alzheimer’s disease a person will experience what has been called a “moment of clarity.” For a brief period, she will sound and act as though the disease has gone into remission. She may relate a memory that was previously lost, or recognize someone she did not know minutes before, or hasn’t recognized for years. She may even say something truly touching or profound.
It is not the case that the disease has gone into remission. Alzheimer’s disease is not reversible, and there is no cure, but you can still take comfort in these moments. They are evidence that the person you have always known is still there. Person-hood survives the physical and neurological effects of the disease. Mind and spirit endure. A simple YouTube video recently went viral. Taken by Kelly Gunerson as she talked with her mother, the video demonstrates this moment of clarity and how memories that seemed to be lost are again accessible. You can watch that video here.
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Alzheimer’s disease is a neurological disease that causes memory loss and eventually death due to brain shrinkage. It is the most common cause of dementia in humans. Patients with Alzheimer’s disease lose their ability to function independently owing to cognitive impairment and the loss of social and behavioral skills. Alzheimer’s disease is caused by two key risk factors: family history and advancing age. The specific cause of the sickness, however, is yet unknown.
I didn’t know that Alzheimer’s has different stages. I only that the person loses or forgets most his/her memory. Thanks explaining it well in your article what the patient is going through. It’s still best though to have the person checked by doctors to make sure it’s Alzheimer’s.
It is always best to consult with your doctor. Partly to determine a treatment regimen, but also to get an accurate diagnosis. See https://www.best-alzheimers-products.com/conditions-that-mimic-alzheimers.html.
My father is 91 and it became evident last year that his could no longer live alone. He’s been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s by 2 doctors. His math shills are very good still (a former accountant) but his memory for day-to-day function is terrible. He’s socially withdrawn and he searches for his words at time and is very quiet almost like he lives in a fog-some days are better than others.
Lately he’s been walking like he’s slightly drunk, but he’s not. He refuses to us a cane or walker for stability and would never tell me if he had a fall. He’s living in an independent living facility at the moment. Is the new walking issue a indicator of going into the more advanced stage of the disease?
In reply to Mary.
Hi Mary – one of the most devastating things about Alzheimer’s disease is that it is progressive. Until we see some dramatic advances in medicine that will be the case for almost all dementias. Your father will eventually need to move into a more structured environment; one in which he is given the care and attention he deserves. That is a difficult step for you and for your father, so it is not something to rush into, but neither do you want to wait until he is hurt from a fall.
I recommend you talk with your father’s doctor as well as begin looking for and interviewing communities that can provide the level of care he will need. Ask questions of the administration and the staff. And be tough. If you are not comfortable with a place for any reason (not clean, loud, inattentive staff, anything) move on to the next one.
You can contact us through https://best-alzheimers-products.com/contact-us if you are looking for more ideas or help.
John
Ruth started showing signs of dementia/alzheimer’s eight years ago at the age of 52. Before alzheimer’s she taught elementary grades from 1 to 6 for 22 years. Played and coached basketball for many years. Ruth lived a healthy lifestyle an avid reader, quilter & cross country skier . Now 60 she is in the middle of stage seven . Her body no longer does what she wishes it to do. I have a full time help for her to give her the dignity she would have wanted. If I find that magic lamp my one wish would be a cure for this dreadful Alzheimer’s