This post has been reworked from an older post I wrote in Feb of 2014.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:
Stage 3:
Stage 4:
Stage 5:
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:
Stage 7:
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.
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.
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.
I dread that stage, but I know it’s only down the road. It’s heartbreaking to watch.
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.
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.
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
Thanks Abby! I’m doing great! The surgery was a success and I feel better than ever.
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!
Thank you Edward! I’m thrilled that you enjoy it!
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.
Alzheimer’s is truly an all encompassing disease. Thanks for commenting Leandro! I’m looking forward to your guest post coming up on Monday.