Alzheimer’s disease is a brain condition that gradually robs people of their memory, thinking abilities, and finally, their capacity to complete even the most basic tasks. Most Alzheimer’s patients experience early onset symptoms in later life. According to various estimates from specialists, more than 6 million Americans, most of whom are 65 or older, may have dementia brought on by Alzheimer’s. Here are the three stages of Alzheimer’s disease and corresponding symptoms.
Mild Alzheimer’s disease
A person with mild Alzheimer’s disease may appear to be in good condition, but they are having increasing difficulty understanding what is happening around them. At this point, Alzheimer’s disease is frequently identified. Individuals and their families often become aware that anything is wrong over time. Issues may include:
- no memory
- poor decision-making due to poor judgment
- decline in initiative and spontaneity
- it taking longer to finish routine everyday tasks
- repeating inquiries
- difficulty managing finances and paying debts
- wandering and becoming disoriented
- putting things in strange places or losing things
- changes in mood and personality
- increased aggression or anxiousness
Moderate Alzheimer’s disease
For many spouses and families, this period requires more extensive supervision and care, which can be challenging. Some signs could be:
- increased confusion and memory loss
- inability to pick up new skills
- language challenges as well as issues with reading, writing, and working with numbers
- having trouble logically thinking and organizing one’s thoughts
- reduced duration of attention
- difficulties adjusting to new circumstances
- difficulty performing complex chores, such as dressing
- having trouble distinguishing between friends and family
- delusions, paranoia, and hallucinations
- impulsive actions, such as changing into new clothes at inappropriate times or locations or using foul words
- inappropriate fury outbursts
- wandering, crying, agitation, and restlessness, especially in the late afternoon or evening
- repetition of words or actions, as well as sporadic twitching of the muscles
Severe Alzheimer’s disease
People with advanced Alzheimer’s disease rely entirely on others for their care and cannot communicate. As the illness closes, the person may spend most of the time in bed. Their signs frequently consist of:
- lack of communication
- loss of weight
- seizures
- skin maladies
- having trouble swallowing
- moaning, writhing, or gurgling
- an increase in sleep
- a lack of bladder and bowel control
Aspiration pneumonia is a common cause of death in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. When a person cannot swallow properly, food or liquids enter the lungs instead of air, leading to the development of this type of pneumonia. Although there is presently no cure for Alzheimer’s, there are medications that can manage the disease’s symptoms.
Read more:
Treatments for Alzheimer’s Disease
3 Ways Remote Patient Monitoring Helps Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease
Improving Dementia Care through Remote Patient Monitoring in 2022
References
- Alzheimer’s Disease Fact Sheet | National Institute on Aging. (2021, July 8). National Institute on Aging; Accessed July 23, 2022, at www.nia.nih.gov. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-disease-fact-sheet
