No one can deny the experience of forgetting things or getting lost on a familiar route. When it is a regular occurrence, you should seek medical advice. Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia and it does not happen at once.
All stages of Alzheimer’s can be divided into three major phases. The phases we call No Dementia Phase, Early Phases Dementia Phase, and Severe Dementia Phase are these three phases. All 7 stages of Alzheimer’s disease are found within these phases.
What are the stages of dementia that we’re referring to? Continue reading to learn more about them.
Alzheimer’s Disease: 7 stages
No Dementia
Stage 1: No Cognitive Impairment
Alzheimer’s disease is a silent illness. It can take up to 20 years for the disease to manifest itself. Also known as Preclinical Alzheimer’s. Your family history and genetic study may give you an idea of your likelihood of developing the disease. Your doctor will usually ask you about any signs of memory disorders. At this stage, patients are completely independent and sound. They may not even be aware that they have a disease.
Stage 2 Mild Cognitive Decline
This type of disease is more common in adults 65 and older. Adults in this age group will experience cognitive decline, such as forgetfulness. Individuals at this stage experience cognitive decline much more quickly than those of their age who do not have the disease. You may forget a familiar word or person, or even a familiar location. The problems may still be mild, and family and friends may not even know about them.
Stage 3 Slight Cognitive Decline
Symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease become more apparent over time. This stage lasts for about seven (7) year. Only close family members and friends are likely to notice these signs. The patients’ overall performance will also decrease and they will have difficulty learning new skills.
In this phase, individuals should visit their doctor more frequently and undergo a more intensive evaluation. It is even more important if the individual has a complex job. The individual may also have mild to moderate denial or anxiety.
Early Dementia
Stage 4: Moderate Cognitive Degeneration
This stage lasts for about 2 years. This is also the beginning of Alzheimer’s. The individual may have difficulty performing daily tasks. The individual will have more mood swings, such as denial and withdrawal, and also a decreased emotional response.
The symptoms of stage 4 are:
- Memory loss is the inability to recall past events.
- Incapacity to count from 100 in 7 seconds.
- The tendency to forget recent and current activities is increasing.
- Money handling problems.
A physician will also assess the symptoms described in the third phase. The individual will recall the weather at this stage.
Stage 5 Moderately Severe Cognitive Decline
This stage is more serious and requires additional assistance. Individuals who do not receive enough help are more angry and suspicious. The fifth stage can last for over a year-and-a-half. The individual will remember his/her own name and the names of relatives. However, weather conditions, important events or their home address may be difficult.
They will have more trouble calculating time, locating the place, and recognizing the date. They will need more assistance as they are no longer able to function independently.
Severe Dementia
Stage 6 Chronic Cognitive Decline
The individual will have difficulty in these areas over the next two and a quarter years. They may be able to recognize their family members and friends, but not their names. Even going to the toilet can be messy, since they may lose control of their bladder. They will also start to have more delusions. For example, they may think they need to work or go to the store, but that’s not true.
Stage 7: Most Chronic Cognitive Disorder
It is at this stage that the greatest amount of help is needed. As the tissues, tendons and muscles become rigid, individuals will experience severer body pains. Pneumonia is the most common cause of death for people at this stage.
In less than five years, a person will pass through the sub-stages below:
- The speech is reduced to six words or less.
- Speech is reduced to one word.
- Speech loss
- Unable to stand up on their own.
- Looks that are dull or depressing.
- Inability to hold their head up on their own.
The conclusion of the article is:
The Alzheimer’s is an awful disease. It is most common in adults older than 65, but it can also affect people between the ages of 35-40.
If you suspect that you have AD or a loved one does, you should seek medical advice and consume specific fruits to treat the disease.
