Severe Alzheimer's Disease - Symptoms at Stage 3

Doctors can determine the stages of Alzheimer's
disease by performing specific test. After the results
of the test are analyzed, the doctor can determine the stage
of the disease based on the symptoms and the test results.

The complete Alzheimer's diagnosis includes a
basic physical examination as well as assessment tests
to determine the amount of memory loss, mental functions of the
brain and the nervous system. The course of the deterioration of
the brain can be mapped to determine the severity of the deterioration.
The symptoms of Alzheimer's are unusually categorized as:
Stage One - Mild, Stage Two - Moderate Stage 3 - Severe

SEVERS DISEASE

In the severe stages of Alzheimer's disease, the
damage to the brain's nerve cells is widespread.
It is at this point that full - time care is required. It
is in the third stage that the severe symptoms appear
to be transforming a loved one into a stranger.

Alzheimer's shows the true destructiveness of its
progression during the third stage. The disease
strips the patient of the ability to care for themselves
as there is almost a compete loss of brain function and
memory in the third stage.

Friends, family, and Alzheimer's caregivers are all
devastated by the onslaught of the symptoms in the
severe state. This is the most difficult stage of the disease
for both the patient and the family unit.

People with severe Alzheimer's disease may lose the
ability to walk, speak, feed themselves,
and recognize others. The person with Alzheimer's
at the third stage require 24 hour care for their
own safety.

The areas of the brain that control memory and thinking
skills are affected first, but as the disease progresses, cells
die in other regions of the brain. At this stage of the disease,
the memory, ability to learn, reason, make judgments,
communicate or carry on daily activities are non existent.
A caregiver is required to perform basic personal care for the
patient.

The severe stages also presents a new concern for family and
caregivers. The patient at this stage may exhibit changes in personality
Inappropriate behavior by the patient is also observed.
A once calm caring individuals may show
signs of severe anxiety, suspiciousness or agitation
These individuals may also experience delusions or hallucinations.

Alzheimer's disease gradually destroys brain cells and lead to progressive
decline in mental function. Vascular dementia, another common form, results
from reduced blood flow to the brain's nerve cells. In some cases,
Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia can occur together in a
condition called "mixed dementia."

The incidence of Alzheimer's disease increases with age, and is very
rare among people younger than 60. It affects up to 50 percent of
people older than 85, and the risk increases with age.
In the UK the illness affects one in 20 people over the age of
65 and one in five over the age of 80 in the USA Worldwide,
Alzheimer's disease afflicts more than 12 million people.

Although the first symptoms of Alzheimer's disease are often
confused with the changes that take place in normal aging, it's
important to recognize the difference. Alzheimer's disease is not
a normal part of aging. Any symptoms that are observed in older
relatives or yourself should be considered serious. A doctor's appointment
should be scheduled to determine the cause of the symptoms

Doctors and scientists are making steady progress in understanding
some of the ways in which Alzheimer's disease affects the brain,
but the cause is still unknown.

Severe Alzheimer's Disease - Symptoms at Stage 3

SEVERS DISEASE