Alzheimer's is a disease whereby healthy brain tissue degenerates, causing a disruption in normal thinking and functioning. Alzheimer's causes the condition dementia, which is when an individual loses the ability to solve problems, control emotions and conduct normal daily activities. Risk of the disease seems to increase with age. About 5 percent of individuals between the ages of 65 to 74 have the disease, but this increases to almost 50 percent after the age of 85, according to the Mayo Clinic. Alzheimer's symptoms vary depending on the stage of the disease.
Mild Alzheimer's (Stage 1)
According to American Health Assistance Foundation, patients with early Alzheimer's may become angry and frustrated, and tend to be less spontaneous and energetic. Common symptoms include poor judgment, losing or misplacing things in odd places, taking more time to finish routine tasks, getting lost, repetitive conversations and questions, noticeable changes in personality and mood, and difficulty paying bills and managing money. This stage usually lasts between two to four years.
Moderate Alzheimer's (Stage 2)
Symptoms experienced in this stage include disorientation and disconnection from reality; inability to comprehend a situation; inability to recognize familiar people; difficulty reading or writing; speech problems, including inverting words; and confusing past and present memories. Patients may begin to wander around and may need assistance. This stage usually lasts between two to 10 years.
Severe Alzheimer's (Stage 3)
During this stage, the patient may lose most of his or her memory. Other symptoms include losing the ability to recognize people; speak normally or feed oneself; inability to control bodily functions such as swallowing, bowel or bladder control; and the inability to move around. Constant care is needed due to weakening of the body. The patient may become susceptible to disease conditions such as respiratory problems and skin infections. This stage usually lasts between one to three years.
Mild Cognitive Impairment
Mild Cognitive Impairment is a stage between normal decline in memory and dementia. This condition is often mistaken for Alzheimer's disease, but the individual is aware of the condition. The condition usually does not interfere with normal daily functioning, but may increase one's risk of Alzheimer's disease. Symptoms include forgetfulness, anxiety, apathy, depression, irritability and aggression, poor judgment, inability to make decisions and losing train of thought.
Complications of Alzheimer's Disease
The most common complication is injuries due to falls. Alzheimer's creates disorientation that may lead to falls. Fractures are common as well as serious head injuries. Pneumonia is another complication due to inhalation of food and water. Alzheimer's makes it difficult for one to swallow, and inhalation introduces foreign objects into the lungs causing infections. Urinary infections are common when catheters are inserted for urinary incontinence. Bacteria enter the body and may lead to more serious life-threatening infections.
