The Stages of Alzheimer’s That Family Caregivers Should Know
When seniors are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s they may already be in a middle or advanced stage. Often seniors aren’t diagnosed with Alzheimer’s until they are well into the progression of the disease. Because so many of the early symptoms of Alzheimer’s can appear to be just normal signs of aging many seniors don’t get diagnosed very early.
Alzheimer’s Care: Recognize Symptoms Manhasset, NY
It’s important for seniors to get regular Alzheimer’s screenings because the earlier the disease is diagnosed the more chance there is for seniors to slow down the progression of the disease. Starting medication and making behavioral changes early can make a big difference in the speed at which cognitive decline happens.
Family members should know what the stages of Alzheimer’s are so they can encourage their senior parent to get screened for this disease. It’s also important for family caregivers to recognize the symptoms that could indicate their senior parent is progressing to the next stage. If your senior parent has Alzheimer’s care their Alzheimer’s care provider can also watch out for any changes that indicate they are in the next stage. The stage of Alzheimer’s are:
Preclinical Alzheimer’s Disease
Seniors who are in this earliest stage may not be showing a lot of symptoms yet. But, medical screenings may be able to detect the subtle changes in the brain that could indicate the disease is present. This early stage can last for years before symptoms start to become obvious.
Mild Cognitive Impairment
This is the stage where most seniors and family members start to notice some of the symptoms of Alzheimer’s like confusion with dates and names, mild memory loss, and forgetting words or being unable to complete a sentence. When these early symptoms start to become noticeable it’s definitely a good idea to schedule a medical screening for your senior parent.
Mild Alzheimer’s Disease
The symptoms of Alzheimer’s are more pronounced in the mild stage. Seniors may have difficulty with familiar tasks, experience challenges in planning or organizing, and show signs of decreased concentration. While they can often still live independently, seniors at this stage usually benefit from dedicated Alzheimer’s care at home.
Moderate Alzheimer’s Disease
Even though the stage is classified as moderate the symptoms of Alzheimer’s at this stage are pronounced and noticeable. Cognitive abilities decline further, impacting language skills, spatial awareness, and problem-solving. Behavioral changes can also manifest, such as restlessness, agitation, or wandering. At this stage, individuals typically require increased assistance with daily activities and need Alzheimer’s care.
Moderately Severe Alzheimer’s Disease
In the moderately severe stage, individuals experience a substantial decline in cognitive and functional abilities. Communication becomes more challenging, and individuals may have difficulty expressing themselves or understanding spoken language. Personal care needs, such as dressing and grooming, often require extensive assistance. Behavioral symptoms may escalate, and mood changes, such as anxiety or aggression, can occur. At this stage, round-the-clock care and support are often necessary.
Severe Alzheimer’s Disease
The severe stage is characterized by a profound loss of cognitive and physical function. Individuals may lose the ability to recognize loved ones, including family members. Speech becomes severely limited, and communication relies more on nonverbal cues. Mobility declines, leading to challenges in walking and, eventually, an inability to walk independently. Individuals in this stage require constant supervision and assistance with all aspects of daily living.
Very Severe Alzheimer’s Disease:
The final stage is marked by a near-complete loss of cognitive and physical function. Individuals are typically bedridden, may lose the ability to swallow, and are susceptible to infections. Communication is minimal, and there is a significant loss of awareness of the surrounding environment. At this stage, palliative care becomes the primary focus, providing comfort and support in the final stages of the disease.