Alzheimer's symptoms vary; not everyone will experience the same
symptoms or progress at the same rate. This seven-stage framework is based
on a system developed by Barry Reisberg, M.D., clinical director of the New
York University School of Medicine's Silberstein Aging and Dementia Research
Center.
Stage 1: No impairment (normal function)
The person does not experience any memory problems. An interview with a medical professional does not show any evidence of symptoms of dementia.
The person does not experience any memory problems. An interview with a medical professional does not show any evidence of symptoms of dementia.
Stage 2: Very mild cognitive
decline (may be normal age-related changes or earliest signs of Alzheimer's
disease)
The person may feel as if he or she is having memory lapses — forgetting familiar words or the location of everyday objects. But friends, family or medical examinations cannot detect any symptoms of dementia.
The person may feel as if he or she is having memory lapses — forgetting familiar words or the location of everyday objects. But friends, family or medical examinations cannot detect any symptoms of dementia.
Stage 3: Mild cognitive decline
(early-stage Alzheimer's can be diagnosed in some, but not all, individuals
with these symptoms)
While subtle difficulties begin to impact function, the person may consciously or subconsciously try to cover up his or her problems. Friends, family or co-workers begin to notice difficulties. During a detailed medical interview, doctors may be able to detect problems in memory or concentration.
While subtle difficulties begin to impact function, the person may consciously or subconsciously try to cover up his or her problems. Friends, family or co-workers begin to notice difficulties. During a detailed medical interview, doctors may be able to detect problems in memory or concentration.
Expect to
experience difficulty with retrieving words, planning, organization, misplacing
objects, and forgetting recent learning, which can affect life at home and
work. Depression and other changes in mood can also occur. Duration: 2 to 7
years.
Stage 4: Moderate cognitive decline (Mild
or early-stage Alzheimer's disease)
Problems handling finances result from mathematical challenges. Recent events and conversations are increasingly forgotten, although most people in this stage still know themselves and their family. Experience problems carrying out sequential tasks, including cooking, driving, ordering food at restaurants, and shopping. Often withdraw from social situations, become defensive, and deny problems. Accurate diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease is possible at this stage. Lasts roughly 2 years.
Problems handling finances result from mathematical challenges. Recent events and conversations are increasingly forgotten, although most people in this stage still know themselves and their family. Experience problems carrying out sequential tasks, including cooking, driving, ordering food at restaurants, and shopping. Often withdraw from social situations, become defensive, and deny problems. Accurate diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease is possible at this stage. Lasts roughly 2 years.
Stage 5: Moderately severe cognitive
decline (Moderate or mid-stage Alzheimer's disease)
Gaps in memory
and thinking are noticeable, and individuals begin to need help with day-to-day
activities. No longer able to manage independently or unable to recall personal
history details and contact information. Frequently disoriented regarding place
and or time. People in this stage experience a severe decline in numerical
abilities and judgment skills, which can leave them vulnerable to scams and at
risk from safety issues. Duration: an average of 1.5 years.
Stage 6: Severe cognitive decline
(Moderately severe or mid-stage Alzheimer's disease)
Total lack of awareness of present events and inability to accurately remember the past. People in this stage progressively lose the ability to take care of daily living activities like dressing, toileting, and eating but are still able to respond to nonverbal stimuli, and communicate pleasure and pain via behavior. Agitation and hallucinations often show up in the late afternoon or evening. Dramatic personality changes such as wandering or suspicion of family members are common. Many can’t remember close family members, but know they are familiar. Lasts approximately 2.5 years.
Total lack of awareness of present events and inability to accurately remember the past. People in this stage progressively lose the ability to take care of daily living activities like dressing, toileting, and eating but are still able to respond to nonverbal stimuli, and communicate pleasure and pain via behavior. Agitation and hallucinations often show up in the late afternoon or evening. Dramatic personality changes such as wandering or suspicion of family members are common. Many can’t remember close family members, but know they are familiar. Lasts approximately 2.5 years.
Stage 7: Very severe cognitive decline (Severe
or late-stage Alzheimer's disease)
In this final stage, speech becomes severely limited, reflexes become abnormal, muscles grow rigid, and swallowing impaired. Total support around the clock is needed for all functions of daily living and care. Duration is impacted by quality of care and average length is 1 to 2.5 years.
In this final stage, speech becomes severely limited, reflexes become abnormal, muscles grow rigid, and swallowing impaired. Total support around the clock is needed for all functions of daily living and care. Duration is impacted by quality of care and average length is 1 to 2.5 years.
References
Alzheimer’s
Association. (2012). Seven Stages
of Alzheimer's. Retrieved from
http://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_stages_of_alzheimers.asp
HelpGuide.org.
(2012). Alzheimer’s disease. Retrieved from http://www.helpguide.org/elder/alzheimers_disease_symptoms_stages.htm
Wow! Im amazed at how long stage 3 can be, up to 7 years. The final stage is also longer than I expected. The progression of the disease is terrible. I wonder if the depression and mood changes are a direct effect of the disease or due to the person's awareness of their illness. Is early diagnosis mostly dependent on the individual reporting their symptoms? I also wonder if denial of the problems is high among sufferers of the early stages of Alzheimer's. I've never met a person with Alzheimer's so my only understanding of the disease is what I read & what I've seen in movies. I imagine the personal experience with a person suffering with the disease is much more powerful.
ReplyDelete