Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disorder and the most common type of dementia. There is no cure for the disease, and it currently affects over 5 million Americans according to the Alzheimer's Association. There are seven clinical stages of Alzheimer's disease. The Mayo Clinic states that the disease generally lasts between seven and 10 years from the time of diagnosis. Still, it is important to remember Alzheimer's affects each person differently. Symptoms and stages may vary from person to person.
Stage One
Normal brain function is apparent, though physical changes in the brain may have begun. No signs of memory loss are identifiable. A medical professional is not able to see any signs of Alzheimer's during a medical interview or screening session.
Stage Two
Forgetfulness and slight memory loss begin to occur. A person may misplace car keys or forget a person's name. However, the early signs of Alzheimer's are often associated with aging. Memory problems do not seem significant and are not visible to friends, family members and co-workers. According to the Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation, over half the population over 65 complains of cognitive dysfunction, including forgetfulness and concentration. Commonly, stage two is associated with normal forgetfulness that comes with older age.
Stage Three
A person with Alzheimer's disease shows mild cognitive decline during stage three of the disease. People closely associated with the person, such as a spouse or children, are able to recognize the mild decline. A person may repeat questions several times or be unable to make a decision. Problem solving skills and planning skills begin to decline. For example, balancing a checkbook or planning a birthday party becomes difficult. The person with this stage of Alzheimer's begins to notice symptoms, and the first signs of anxiety associated with the disease are seen during stage three. A diagnosis of Alzheimer's is not always plausible during this stage; however, the person's cognitive function will continue to decline, making diagnosis possible over the next two to four years.
Stage Four
Stage four is identified as mild or early Alzheimer's disease. A person is unable to recall details about recent events such as holidays or special occasions. During medical screening a person is often asked to count backwards in groups of 5s or 2s; most people in stage four of the disease have difficulty with the mathematical and counting tasks. A person will begin to forget personal history such as details about their marriage or college days. In this stage, the person understands that a cognitive decline is present and may socially withdrawal. The person feels embarrassed about the inability to follow a conversation or remember a person's name.
Stage Five
A person will begin needing small amounts of assistance with activities of daily living during stage five of Alzheimer's. The stage is identified as moderate Alzheimer's disease. A person may need reminders of where the restroom is located or how to dress appropriately for the current season. Important details such as a home phone number and address will not be recalled. Increased confusion about the day of the week, month, year and season occurs. Assistance with eating and toileting is not required.
Stage Six
Increased amounts of assistance with activities of daily living are required. A person may begin to dress more inappropriately. For example, wearing pajamas to the dining room table or placing many layers of clothing on at once. Eventually during stage six a person will require assistance with bathing and toileting. Increased urinary and bowel incontinence occurs. Shoes are often placed on the wrong feet or remain untied unless corrected by a caregiver. Personality changes included increased hallucinations and delusions. A person may feel a caregiver is working against them or is an impostor. Compulsive, repetitive behaviors such as pacing or shredding tissue are often seen. Wandering and becoming lost, even in one's own neighborhood, is possible.
Stage Seven
The final stage of the disease occurs when an individual is no longer able to respond to his surroundings. Total care is required seven days a week, 24 hours a day. Communication verbally and physically declines. Speech is limited; grunting or groaning replaces words. A person is often bedbound during the final stage of Alzheimer's disease. Walking is impaired and reflexes are lost. Swallowing and even smiling are difficult and often no longer possible. Death is often caused by complications such as urinary tract infections or pneumonia, states the Mayo Clinic.
