Alzheimer's disease is a form of dementia, where patients exhibit deficits in behavior, thinking and memory. The symptoms of Alzheimer's disease become progressively worse, resulting in severe impairment in the late stage of the disease.
Stages of Alzheimer's
The Alzheimer's Association states that Alzheimer's disease has seven stages. The early stage of Alzheimer's disease is stage four, which is moderate decline; earlier stages are considered mild cognitive impairment. Stage seven is the late stage of Alzheimer's disease, where the patient has very severe decline.
Early Alzheimer's Symptoms
The Alzheimer's Association lists trouble with mathematics and complex tasks, memory problems with recent events and personal history, and a withdrawal from social activities as symptoms of early Alzheimer's.
Late Alzheimer's Symptoms
The Alzheimer's Association notes that when the patient advances to late Alzheimer's, the symptoms have become increasingly worse. Late Alzheimer's patients require help with eating and using the bathroom, have abnormal reflexes and rigid muscles, and lose their ability to speak.
Progression
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) states that the progression of Alzheimer's varies among people, though a quicker development of the disease may lead to a faster progression of symptoms.
Late Stage Duration
The NIH notes that late Alzheimer's lasts from a few months to several years, resulting in the patient being completely disabled.
