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Home » Blog » CAREGIVING » RESOURCES » THE 7 STAGES OF ALZHEIMERS DISEASE

January 9, 2017 By Rena McDaniel 11 Comments

THE 7 STAGES OF ALZHEIMERS DISEASE

This post has been reworked from an older post I wrote in Feb of 2014.
I have so much to learn about Alzheimer Disease. For instance, did you know that there are seven different stages to determine the severity of the disease? This is something else I was unfamiliar with and wanted to learn more about. I read several articles pertaining to these seven stages. I found this information on the alzheimerreadingroom.com and alz.org websites.

Stage 1:

You won’t notice any changes at all in this stage. It’s working behind the scenes setting the stage for its attack. You wouldn’t be able to diagnose.

Stage 2:

 There would be changes in memory. Forgetting things like keys or cell phones. Just memory lapses.
Very mild cognitive decline.

Stage 3:

Mild Cognitive Decline. Stage three is usually when the family begins to notice. Forgetting things like lunch dates, or appointments. Forgetting words or getting confused about where they are. Doesn’t remember the date or time.

Stage 4:

Moderate Cognitive Decline: At this stage, a Dr. will recognize the symptoms and can perform various noninvasive tests. Remembering words, drawing a clock, etc. The person will have a hard time remember their address or telephone number. They may forget to pay bills or to take medications.

Stage 5:

Moderately Severe Cognitive Decline: Moderate to mid-stage Alzheimer.

Stage 5 is when you may need to come up with alternative housing options or homecare. The person will begin to need help with daily activities. They may forget where they are and they will have longer gaps of memory loss. It can sometimes be frightening, but you must stay calm. It’s not always easy, but if you stay calm it will resonate off of you onto them.

Sundowning is a symptom of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Confusion and agitation worse in the late afternoon and evening, or as the sun goes down. Symptoms are less pronounced earlier in the day. Sundowning most often affects people who have mid-stage and advanced dementia. HEALTHLINE.COM

 

Stage 6:

Severe Cognitive Decline: Stage 6 is going to be hard. This is when behavioral problems creep up. A person that has always been sweet and quiet can turn bitter and mean or just the opposite. The person will not want to shower because they are afraid of the water. If possible have them bath instead. They will constantly be fidgeting with things and an activity blanket or something similar is great for that. This is also when incontinence begins. It may begin with wetting the bed at night, but will get worse so be prepared.

Stage 7:

Very Severe Cognitive Decline: Final stage. The person loses the ability to speak or interact with their environment. They will need help with all daily tasks. Reflexes become abnormal and muscles grow rigid. Swallowing is impaired. They will eventually be unable to hold their heads up or smile.

Alzheimer’s Disease is a slow and gradual disease lasting anywhere from 8 to 10 years or even longer. My mother was first diagnosed in 2011 but looking back there was signs way before then. It’s easy to see looking back, but when you’re in the moment of doing for them and running your kids to practices you either don’t see or you ignore it until you no longer can. Unfortunately, in too many cases, you’re faced with an emergency situation that will leave you feeling scared, angry, and more scared. It would be better to have a plan before an emergency happens or maybe prevent it all together.

Alzheimer’s is a death sentence. Watching someone you love sink into the quagmire of dementia is almost as bad. It’s heart crushing. It’s the hardest thing that you will ever do, but you’ll have to come with your big girl panties or don’t even try. You will feel things that will break your heart, piss you off, and make you look at yourself in a whole new way. You will never be the same as before you began. You just have to put one foot in front of the other and take it day by day.

You will feel grief, joy, anger, love, hate, blessed, fear, pride, and guilt and sometimes all in the same day. You can do it, though, I have faith in you.

 

 

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Filed Under: Alzheimer's, AWARENESS, CAREGIVING, RESOURCES, RESOURCES, TIPS, TIPS Tagged With: Alzheimer's Characteristics, Alzheimer's progress, sundowning

About Rena McDaniel

I'm a recovering Alzheimer's Caregiver, a former loving daughter, a current wife, mom, and grandma who remembers all too clearly what it is like on the front lines of Alz Caregiving. I provide real advice, pro tips, or excellent tools from my own experiences and other experts I find along the way. A community of caregivers supporting each other!

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Comments

  1. Karen @BakingInATornado.com says

    January 9, 2017 at 4:26 pm

    As always, valuable information. When we were going through the stages the early ones were hard to see as what they were, but looking back it’s all so heartbreakingly clear.

    Reply
  2. Haralee says

    January 11, 2017 at 12:18 pm

    Great information. It is a horrible death sentence that as you state can last up to and even exceeds 10 years! The latter stages everyone is scared, the person and the family.

    Reply
    • Rena McDaniel says

      January 17, 2017 at 3:42 pm

      I dread that stage, but I know it’s only down the road. It’s heartbreaking to watch.

      Reply
  3. Jo-Anne the crazy woman says

    January 11, 2017 at 2:24 pm

    My nan was diagnosed way back in 98, but for a number of years before that we saw the changes in her, she would repeat herself a lot and often in a conversation ask who someone was. This was distressing for me but didn’t stop me or my mum from visiting her and even in her last months there were times when she had moments that seemed like she knew who we were talking about she passed away on the 19-11-2016. So from the time her memory started to go till the time she passed was like 20 years.

    Reply
    • Rena McDaniel says

      January 17, 2017 at 3:42 pm

      That’s true Jo-anne! It can definitely be a lot longer. The eight to ten years is the national average. That’s a long time to suffer. Thank you for commenting.

      Reply
  4. Abby@midlifecrisisnut.com says

    January 12, 2017 at 1:16 pm

    It’s really heartbreaking to read this. On the other side, it’s absolutely necessary to recognise the signs. Great job as usual, Rena! Hope you’re doing well. Sending you tones of love and health in this New Year! xx Abby

    Reply
    • Rena McDaniel says

      January 17, 2017 at 3:38 pm

      Thanks Abby! I’m doing great! The surgery was a success and I feel better than ever.

      Reply
  5. Edward says

    January 18, 2017 at 9:42 pm

    Another great post, Rena! This blog is truly amazing! It is full of helpful information that caregivers can use and relate with. Keep it up!

    Reply
    • Rena McDaniel says

      January 25, 2017 at 9:26 am

      Thank you Edward! I’m thrilled that you enjoy it!

      Reply
  6. Leandro Mueller says

    January 18, 2017 at 11:59 pm

    When I think of Alzheimer’s, I get scared of a lot of things. I’m afraid of forgetting my loved ones, myself and everything! It is like entering into zombie mode. Aside from the debilitating effects to my physical body, I’m also afraid of how it can affect my family, our finances and all. Alzheimer’s is truly life changing situation. If this disease is in your medical history, it is best to plan ahead and know how you will face this situation. Consider additional coverage such as medicare supplement plans, Long term care insurance to lessen out-of-pocket expenses due to health services and reduce the impact on your finances.

    Reply
    • Rena McDaniel says

      January 25, 2017 at 9:27 am

      Alzheimer’s is truly an all encompassing disease. Thanks for commenting Leandro! I’m looking forward to your guest post coming up on Monday.

      Reply

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