Alzheimer's disease is marked by slow development, and its characteristic decline in cognitive and behavioral function typically takes place gradually over a period of several years. It is because of this slow onset that many cases go undiagnosed until more severe symptoms become apparent. Over time, the disease affects a person's memory, language skills, decision making abilities and reasoning. Though the disease may be classified in individuals as mild, moderate or severe based on the extent of the symptoms, it is important to remember that each case is unique and progression will vary from one person to the next.
Although the stages of Alzheimer's are not concrete time periods, knowing generally what to expect over time can be helpful in future care planning for anyone who has a loved one with Alzheimer's disease. Here we examine some of the characteristic behaviors observed in the mild, moderate and severe stages of Alzheimer's disease:
DISEASE
Mild/Early: In the early stages of Alzheimer's disease, symptoms such as forgetfulness, a limited attention span and forgetting where things belong are often disregarded as typical signs of aging. Though some of the symptoms of early Alzheimer's disease are similar to those experienced by a healthy person with age, a person with Alzheimer's disease will exhibit such behaviors with more frequency and severity over time. A person in the mild stage of the disease may become less motivated, resist change and confuse one word with another when speaking. Often, the patient does not realize that he or she is experiencing these changes, and a close family member is the first to notice symptoms. People in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease can usually remain at home, particularly when there is a spouse or other loved one there to help out.
Moderate/Middle: As the disease progresses into the moderate stage, symptoms become more severe, more recurrent and more apparent to other people as well as the patient. The middle stage of Alzheimer's disease is marked by a decline in memory function, particularly short term memory, though a patient may retain his or her long term memory. Personality changes and an inability to make judgments are also extremely common in this stage. It is in the moderate stage that a person with Alzheimer's may begin to have difficulty recognizing people they know, or confusing the identity of one person with another. People in this stage of Alzheimer's do best having a caregiver available full time to help with daily needs and ensure their safety.
Severe/Advanced: Severe Alzheimer's disease calls for fulltime care from a loved one or a professional caregiver. Patients at this stage have difficulty communicating and frequently do not recognize loved ones. Advanced Alzheimer's disease causes patients to feel disoriented with their surroundings and exhibit severe mood swings.
Alzheimer's disease affects every person differently, and all people with Alzheimer's disease will not experience every described symptom. Though the disease is divided into stages to make understanding its progression easier, there is no set timeline for any one patient's progression. Today, the progression of the Alzheimer's symptoms can sometimes be delayed with medications and lifestyle changes.
The Progression of Alzheimer's Disease DISEASE
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