The National Institutes of Health (NIH) states that Alzheimer's disease is a degenerative disease---by the time the patient reaches the final stages, she cannot recognize her family, comprehend language or take care of herself. The Alzheimer's Association notes that Alzheimer's disease has seven stages, with the last three stages being the most debilitating. During the final stages of Alzheimer's disease, the patient will have more difficulty being on her own, leading to round-the-clock care.
Moderately Severe Decline (Stage Five)
In stage five of Alzheimer's disease, the patient is experiencing moderately severe decline, where the memory loss and cognitive deficits are more significant. The Alzheimer's Association notes that a patient in stage five of Alzheimer's disease is unable to remember important details, such as that he had a doctor's appointment that day. The patient can also be confused by the date, unable to remember the day or the month; the date confusion is attributed to disorientation, not a slip of the mind. During stage five, an Alzheimer's disease patient also needs help in choosing appropriate clothing to wear; the Alzheimer's Association notes that a patient may choose a warm-weather item when it is cold outside.
Severe Decline (Stage Six)
The Alzheimer's Association notes that in stage six of Alzheimer's disease, the memory loss has become even worse. At this point, the patient forgets recent events, and occasionally forgets the name of her spouse; however, the patient is still able to recognize family members at this point, and the memory problems in this area are temporary. Personality changes have severely declined to a point where the patient is having hallucinations and delusions. The patient can also be confused by her surroundings, adding to the earlier symptom of getting lost in familiar areas. Another deterioration in symptoms is with choosing clothing: the patient now needs complete help in getting dressed and putting garments on properly. The patient also has an altered sleep cycle, and needs help when using the bathroom.
Very Severe Decline (Stage Seven)
The last stage of Alzheimer's disease is stage seven, where the patient has reached very severe decline. When a patient reaches the final stage of Alzheimer's disease, he is no longer able to care for himself. The Alzheimer's Association notes that the patient cannot walk, move, hold his head up or even smile. Swallowing is impaired, muscles are rigid and reflexes are affected. The patient will also lose his ability to speak, with the exception of incomprehensible mutterings. Incontinence is also a growing problem for an Alzheimer's disease patient in stage seven of the disease, and the patient requires aid whenever using the bathroom. The patient will also need help when eating.
