Alzheimer's disease is a degenerative disease of the brain for which there is no cure. It is progressive and characterized by stages, all of which have their own set of symptoms. According to Dr. Jeanne Segal, psychologist and managing editor of Help Guide, it is the most common form of dementia. The disease typically lasts for seven to 10 years before the disease comes full circle and the patient's body completely shuts down. It should be noted that the following is just a guideline; every person will progress at their own pace.
Stage One
In the early part of this stage, the symptoms may be subtle and only noticeable to the one experiencing them. They typically include misplacing objects, getting lost on a familiar route or having difficulty performing routine tasks, such as cooking or washing laundry. It is at this point many try to cover up these symptoms, making excuses for their behavior.
As this stage progresses, it may take the inflicted longer to perform routine household chores and she may become agitated when rushed to finish them. She may lose the ability to handle money properly, such as paying too much or too little at restaurants or for her bills. There may be times when she forgets to pay at all. She may ask the same question repeatedly and place common household goods in odd places (clothes in the pantry). According to Dr. Jeanne Segal, this stage typically lasts between two and seven years.
Stage Two
At this stage in the disease, you may begin to notice that he is beginning to confuse people in his life--his brother is his father, his sister is his daughter. His ability to function on his own begins to decline at this point as well; this is obvious in his personal hygiene and appearance. He is becoming unable to make sound decisions when it comes to his safety. You may notice him wandering frequently, no matter how many times he gets lost.
Behaviorally he becomes agitated quickly, especially when you dispute facts he believes are true, or try to make him perform a task he doesn't want to perform. These include telling him he doesn't have to go to work when he claims he does or insisting he needs to get dressed when he doesn't want to. He may also show sexual behavior that is inappropriate, such as masturbating in public. According to Dr. Segal, this stage can last two and a half years.
Stage Three
This stage, the final stage, is sometimes the most difficult for family members. This is the point when the body begins to shut down and both physical and behavior abilities begin to fail. In many cases, the patient is either unable to speak, or she cannot be understood when she speaks. She is unable to recognize anyone, even those closest to her. Her ability to walk is lost, and her ability to stand is weakened. She may become extremely emotional, crying easily, and she is now fully dependant for all of her daily needs, including bathing, dressing and toileting. In most cases, she is bedridden and begins losing all control of her bowel and bladder.
