Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, fatal brain disease that destroys brain cells. Due to the memory loss, cognitive problems and behavioral problems this disease causes, nearly every aspect of an individual's life is affected. There is no cure, although there are medications to slow the disease, which progresses in stages.
Stage 5
This stage can also be labeled as moderately severe cognitive decline, according to the Alzheimer's Association. It is also known as mid-stage Alzheimer's disease. In Stage 5, significant gaps in memory and cognitive deficits begin to be apparent. Assistance with some daily activities becomes needed, although individuals in this stage are typically able to feed themselves and use the bathroom independently. Other symptoms of this stage include needing assistance with choosing clothes that are appropriate for the season; not knowing the date, day or season; not able to give important information to health care providers like the individual's address or telephone number; and trouble with basic mathematics. Long-term memory, such as the individuals' name and those of family members, are not affected in this stage, which can last approximately 1.5 years, according to the Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation.
Stage 6
Stage 6 can also be labeled as severe cognitive decline and is also mid-stage Alzheimer's disease. Memory problems generally get worse, and personality changes begin to take place. Individuals need significant help with daily activities. Symptoms of being in this stage include problems with the sleep cycle, needing assistance getting dressed and using the toilet; frequent episodes of urinary or fecal incontinence; episodes of becoming lost or wandering around; and forgetting names of caregivers and other familiar people but are able to remember their own name. People in this stage may forget names but can typically distinguish between familiar and unfamiliar faces. This stage typically lasts a little more than two years.
Stage 7
This last stage of Alzheimer's disease is characterized by very severe cognitive decline. In this stage individuals become unable to speak, control movement and interact with their environment. Symptoms of being in this stage include the loss of the ability to speak clearly, general incontinence and needing help with walking and sitting. The person may eventually lose the ability to smile, hold his head up and swallow food or liquids. Patients typically die during this stage, with the most common cause of death being pneumonia.
