What Do You Need to Know About the Stages of Alzheimer's Disease?

While memory loss is a large part of Alzheimer’s disease, it tends to be our focus when it should not be. Individuals who suffer from Alzheimer’s undergo many neurological and physical changes, which can cause challenges for them and those around them. We have found that being informed and educated about the disease is the best way to prepare for the road ahead. We have divided the stages of Alzheimer’s into early, middle, and late stages. Let’s look at what you can expect from each one. 

Early Stage Alzheimer’s

Individuals in this stage are usually still going through everyday life pretty normally; they are able to function independently and you may not even notice things are changing. However, key signs of the early stages of Alzheimer’s can look like:

  • Losing important objects, especially often

  • Disorientation in planning or when engaging in activities

  • Forgetting new information quickly

  • Difficulty remembering names and words for everyday objects

Middle Stage Alzheimer’s

The middle stage of this disease often lasts the longest; families usually need professional help around this time as there are several behavioral and physical changes happening. These can look like:

  • Unable to recite their own phone number or address

  • Changing sleeping patterns

  • Finding themselves lost in familiar places

  • Becoming more anxious, spaced out, or compulsive 

  • Loss of bladder and bowel control

  • Unable to remember key family events 

Late Stage Alzheimer’s

At this stage, individuals with the disease are unable to interact effectively with their surroundings. Late stage Alzheimer’s can present itself as:

  • Difficulty forming words

  • Trouble walking or sitting up straight

  • More prone to physical illness

  • Unable to attend to activities of daily living

  • Loss of awareness of people and/or surroundings

Anticipating and dealing with these changes is difficult; being informed helps navigate some of the difficulties. If you have a loved one who is experiencing these symptoms, it may be time to consider a memory care community. Contact us today to schedule your tour and see if our community is right for your loved one. 


Previous
Previous

How to Talk to Your Loved One About Moving to Assisted Living

Next
Next

Understanding the 5 A's of Alzheimer's Disease