The Four Stages of Alzheimer's Disease

Stage one of Alzheimer's is marked by mild symptoms that may also appear in the general population. There may be uncertainty of the diagnosis until the person deteriorates further. Signs to look for include the following:

• Memory loss and the inability to remember details such as phone numbers and street addresses

• Difficulty with finding the right word when holding a conversation

• Making bad judgements such as wearing inappropriate clothing for the weather conditions

• Able to cope in familiar surroundings but confused when away from home

• Wearing the same set of clothing over and over again

• Personality changes including a lack of social graces and manners

• Loss of interest in hobbies, activities and current affairs

• Restlessness and agitation

Stage Two of Alzheimer's Disease

As a person enters stage two, the symptoms apparent in stage one become more pronounced. Family members will need to decide if their loved one can continue living in their own home if they do not have a spouse. The following signs may be evident:

• Increased forgetfulness that interferes with the ability to run a home safely

• Forgetfulness where they cannot remember a conversation from a few minutes previously

• Inability to perform simple mathematical calculations

• A Tendency to withdraw socially as confusion increases. This is accompanied by a lack of interest in other people

• Inability to plan or perform complex behaviors such as driving

• Personal hygiene may be neglected as they forget to bathe or brush teeth

• Sleep problems and restlessness

• Wandering away from home and getting lost, even in familiar surroundings

Stage Three of Alzheimer's Disease

Once the disease has reached this stage, the person needs more care and supervision. If left alone, their health will suffer and they may endanger themselves and others without realizing it. Signs of stage three in Alzheimer's Disease include the following:

• Impaired judgement leading to irrational acts such as giving away valuable possessions

• Loss of understanding of time and place

• Loss or deterioration of speech and language skills

• Telling the same story or asking the same questions over and over again without realizing it

• Increased confusion, lethargy and restlessness

• Paranoia, aggression, hostility and delusions

• Needs assistance with personal hygiene and care

• Needs 24 hour supervision and care

Stage Four of Alzheimer's Disease

This stage is physically and emotionally hard for family members to cope with and the person may need to be committed to a home where they can be supervised round the clock. Common signs include the following:

• Further or complete loss of language skills to the point where the person cannot understand verbal or written language

• Repetitive actions such as rocking or tapping

• Inability to recognize anyone including themselves

• Confusion, aggression, delusions and violent outbursts

• Withdrawal and apathy

• Physical problems with eating, chewing, bladder and bowel control and walking

• Seizures

Alzheimer's Disease progresses at different rates in different people but will generally follow the four basic stages over a period of years. It is extremely difficult for family members to watch the deterioration but understanding the stages can offer some peace of mind as they plan for their loved one's future.

Reference:

Alzheimer's for Dummies , Patricia B Smith, Mary Mitchell Kenan and Mark Edwin Kunik, Wiley Publishing Inc, 2004