Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease: What You Need to Know
While memory loss is a large part of Alzheimer’s disease, it tends to be our focus when it should not be. Individuals who suffer from Alzheimer’s undergo many neurological and physical changes, which can cause challenges for them and those around them. We have found that being informed and educated about the disease is the best way to prepare for the road ahead. We have divided the stages of Alzheimer’s into early, middle, and late stages. Let’s look at what you can expect from each one.
Early Stage Alzheimer’s
Individuals in this stage are usually still going through everyday life pretty normally; they are able to function independently and you may not even notice things are changing. However, key signs of the early stages of Alzheimer’s can look like:
Losing important objects, especially often
Disorientation in planning or when engaging in activities
Forgetting new information quickly
Difficulty remembering names and words for everyday objects
Middle Stage Alzheimer’s
The middle stage of this disease often lasts the longest; families usually need professional help around this time as there are several behavioral and physical changes happening. These can look like:
Unable to recite their own phone number or address
Changing sleeping patterns
Finding themselves lost in familiar places
Becoming more anxious, spaced out, or compulsive
Loss of bladder and bowel control
Unable to remember key family events
Late Stage Alzheimer’s
At this stage, individuals with the disease are unable to interact effectively with their surroundings. Late stage Alzheimer’s can present itself as:
Difficulty forming words
Trouble walking or sitting up straight
More prone to physical illness
Unable to attend to activities of daily living
Loss of awareness of people and/or surroundings
Anticipating and dealing with these changes is difficult; being informed helps navigate some of the difficulties. If you have a loved one who is experiencing these symptoms, it may be time to consider a memory care community. Contact us today to schedule your tour and see if our community is right for your loved one.
