The Stages Of Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s is a disease of the old age but can occur at any age. According to the Alzheimer’s Association an Alzheimer patient passes through the following 7 stages of Alzheimer’s disease.

Stage 1 -No cognitive impairment: The individual still has sharp mind. Though some of his brain cells may have been killed by the disease but no impaired memory functions are seen.

Stage 2 -Very Mild cognitive impairment: Mild signs of Alzheimer’s disease such as memory lapses are seen. The person may forget names of people recently met. He may misplace things of daily uses. The 2nd stage is usually not detected in a medical examination.

Stage 3 – Mild cognitive impairment: At this stage some people start showing the very early symptoms of Alzheimer’s and can be diagnosed with it. He may struggle completing his tasks, forget names or words, misplace or lose valuable things and may show subtle personality changes. A neurologist may be able to see the early signs of the onset of Alzheimer’s after testing him. Sometime high-tech brain scans are also done.

Stage 4 -Mild Alzheimer’s: The sufferer still knows himself and his family but will have decreased memory of his past. His memory worsens and mental ability deteriorates. His mathematical ability will be impaired. It will become very difficult for him to plan or organize things.

He shows withdrawal from social activities and mentally challenging situations. Depression is very common. The neurologist can diagnose his Alzheimer’s with confidence.

Stage 5 – Moderate Alzheimer’s: The sufferer shows major memory lapses. He still remembers his own and key family member’s name but does not remember his telephone number and address. He forgets his personal details. He requires some assistance in doing his daily tasks but can eat and use the toilets himself. He may show disorientation to time and place.

Stage 6 – Moderately severe Alzheimer’s: He will show severe loss of memory and reasoning power. Will need help in using the toilets. May be confused and can wander away from home and is lost. He may get hallucinations and have sleep problems.

Stage 7 -Severe Alzheimer’s: In his last stage the sufferer will be bedridden and will require assistance in walking and getting up from bed. Frequently he will not recognize speech. A person with Alzheimer’s can not be cured. But if the disease is diagnosed in time it can be delayed and prevented.