Stages of Alzheimers

Research has documented common patterns of progression of the disease. Appropriate Alzheimers stages have thus been identified. There are seven stages of Alzheimers.

By classifying the disease into stages, researchers find it easy to make concrete plans. It also throws insight into the development of the disease. The disease will not progress at the same rate for two individuals. The duration of the disease varies from 3 to 20 years.

The symptoms belonging to the seven stages vary from unimpaired function to severe cognitive malfunction. The following are the seven stages of Alzheimers:

Stage 1: No impairment

During this stage, there are no memory problems. There is no presence of other symptoms as well.

Stage 2: Very mild cognitive decline

There is mild memory loss at this stage. Names of familiar objects are forgotten. Keys and eyeglasses are often misplaced. These symptoms are only apparent to friends and family members.

Stage 3: Mild cognitive decline

There are clear deficiencies seen by friends and family members. Memory problems surface in medical interviews. Common symptoms include:

• Problems with names and words
• Inability to remember names
• Poor performance at work
• Retaining little information
• Inability to plan and organize

Stage 4: Moderate cognitive decline

At this stage, most symptoms are clearly seen by a healthcare individual during a medical interview.

• Lack of knowledge of current events.
• Problems related to mental arithmetic
• Inability to perform tasks such as paying utility bills, managing finances and planning dinners
• Poor recollection of personal history
• Withdrawing from social and challenging occasions

Stage 5: Moderately severe cognitive decline

Major memory problems arise. Cognitive function is also impaired to a certain extent. Normal activities need to be performed under assistance.
Individuals at this juncture may:

• Find it difficult to recollect at a medical interview important details such as address, telephone number, and name of the high school
• Concept of time and place is forgotten.
• Simple mental arithmetic cannot be performed.

Stage 6: Severe cognitive decline

Major personality changes might surface. Patients need lot of help for routine activities.

• Sense of awareness is lost.
• Besides the name, most personal information is forgotten.
• Inability to recollect the name of the caregiver.
• Problems with dressing properly.
• Disruptions in the sleep cycle.
• Need help while using the toilet

Stage 7: Very severe cognitive decline

This comprises the final stage of the disease where individuals fail to respond to their environment. The ability to speak is severely hampered.

• Only a few words and phrases can be uttered
• Urinary incontinence is common.
• Assistance is needed while walking and sitting. Muscles get rigid and reflexes get abnormal.
• Swallowing food becomes difficult.

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