I have spent several years pulling this information together, some from reading, some from talking to doctors and mostly from real life observation. I offer it as a help to others, I am available for a conference should you want it. Alzheimer's disease sometimes can be difficult to diagnose due to the unique signs and symptoms you each may have. The conditions and symptoms are also seen in several other diseases. This disease called Alzheimer's has seven different stages. I will list these stages for you and will speak of them as you being the patient:
1. Dementia (pre): You would show no visible signs of impairment, your memory and mental abilities are seen as normal. A medical review is necessary to identify you as being in this stage.
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2. Impairment: A very mild decline in your mental abilities is seen in you. This could even be a normal age related change as opposed to Alzheimer's. Your friends, family and health care professional would hardly notice any memory lapses. It is sad to say that approximately fifty per cent of us that are over sixty five years of age will start experiencing slight difficulties with recalling an occasional word or concentration.
3. Confusion: This is when a mild mental decline is noticed.
a. You would show slight difficulties with some every day functions. In most cases this difficulty will be hidden.
b. Your problems will include difficulties with words, organization, planning, and misplacing things.
c. Reading a passage and not retaining the information will be a problem for you.
d. You would exhibit moodiness, anxiety and some depression.
4. Mental Decline: This is the mid point and this stage will last for about two years. Symptoms are now very easy to identify with this disease.
a. You would still be able to identify familiar people and you are alert.
b. Now you exhibit a lack of personal history.
c. You now have problems with numbers like family finances.
d. Your knowledge of current events will have decreased.
e. You will have difficulty with things like shopping alone.
f. Withdrawing from conversations and social events will be common for you.
g. You will become defensive and deny there is a problem.
5. Moderate Decline: the duration of this stage is about eighteen months.
a. Your mental deterioration is much more significant.
b. You would be unable to survive living alone.
c. You will have no memory of personal history.
d. You would be confused as to what day, month or year it is.
e. You would be good pray for scammers.
f. You will need supervision relative to dressing correctly.
g. You would still be able to eat and use the bathroom.
6. Severe Decline: This stage lasts for about two and one half years (this becomes troublesome for those that love you).
a. There is now considerable change in your personality.
b. You would not be aware of your present and most recent experiences.
c. You still may be able to call people by their names.
d. Family members may be familiar to you but you may not be able to recall their names.
e. You may be able to communicate pain and pleasure non verbally.
f. Incontinence is likely and you will require help in the bathroom.
g. Your sleep patterns may be disrupted.
h. You can get lost easily.
I. You eventually will need much care.
7. Very Sever Decline: late stage of Alzheimer's and it lasts one to 2 and one half years (this is very difficult for family members).
a. You would not be able to speak or recognize speech.
b. You would not be able to walk and health would deteriorate.
c. You would be bed ridden and your muscles would be rigid.
d. You now sleep a lot and require around the clock care.
We have had several family members succumb to this disease, most people with the disease will die form something other than the disease, infections and pneumonia are examples of complications. My Dad passed on from Alzheimer's while my wives Uncle died from an infection. It is best to get on top of this early and add quality to the life of the patient and family, if this is you, get help now! In my neighborhood we have an outreach group dedicated to this very issue.
How to Identify the Care Needed For an Alzheimer's Patient
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