Stages Of Alzheimer’s Disease

Question 1

Characteristics of early stage of Alzheimer’s

Answer 1

The early stage of Alzheimer’s Disease usually lasts two to four years. It is characterized by forgetfulness, increasing difficulty with problem-solving and withdrawing from activities.

Question 2

Characteristics of early stage Alzheimer’s- stage one

Answer 2

During this stage you can expect the person with Alzheimer’s to forget experiences, rather than details (like names). The person may need minor assistance or reminders, but may be able to live alone competently. Efforts to hide confusion from others (the person usually knows something is not right) are sometimes successful at this early stage.

Question 3

Characteristics of middle stage Alzheimer’s

Answer 3

The middle stage of Alzheimer’s Disease is characterized by an increase in memory loss and confusion, shorter attention span, increase in language difficulties and repetitiveness. The middle stage lasts for two to ten years.

Question 4

Which stage is confusion apparent to care givers

Answer 4

In the middle stage, the confusion is apparent to caregivers. The person may be aware of his/her impairment, but lacks the ability to hide it from others. There is full loss of executive function (i.e. reasoning/problem solving) and difficulty taking care of oneself. The person may need help with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as dressing and bathing.

Question 5

Which stage are patients place in adult care

Answer 5

Middle stage : As tasks become more challenging, both physically and cognitively, the person may become delusional, paranoid and develop associated behavioral changes. Optimizing physical, mental and social stimulation is key to slowing the rate of decline into the next stage. Constant supervision is needed. The person shows poor judgment and cannot live alone for safety reasons. At this time, patients are often placed in adult day care programs and/or assisted living. Toward the end of the middle stage, the person loses the ability to control bladder and/or bowel function.

Question 6

Late stage Alzheimer’s

Answer 6

The late stage of Alzheimer’s Disease is a time of severe confusion and loss of all functional skills. The person has no awareness of his/her condition.