Originally, practitioners believed Alzheimer’s had three phases. However, a more comprehensive analysis was offered by Dr. Barry Reisberg from New York University. He determined the disease process has as many as seven different phases. Here are the seven stages of Alzheimer’s you should know about.
First Stage
During the first stage, some biological abnormalities start to develop in the brain. However, individuals may not exhibit any visible symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease during this stage.
Second Stage
Older adults might experience slight memory loss, which often includes not remembering where items were placed. During this phase, lapses in memory aren’t serious and are often equated with normal aging. Family members may not notice any visible symptoms, and seniors are still able to perform well on cognitive tests.
Third Stage
The damage taking place in the brain leads to noticeable cognitive issues. Older adults often display short-term memory loss and have difficulty with vocabulary. They may also seem disorganized and lose personal items more frequently. The degree of cognitive impairment is also exhibited on tests.
If your parent is showing signs of Alzheimer’s disease, it’s a good idea to consider professional in-home care. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional in-home care. Senior Stride Home Care is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Fourth Stage
By the fourth stage of Alzheimer’s, seniors can no longer solve simple math equations, and short-term memory loss is more apparent. For example, many seniors cannot recall what happened early in the day or what they ate during mealtimes. Personal finances become too confusing, and events in their personal histories may become jumbled.
Fifth Stage
During the fifth stage, Alzheimer’s disease progresses to the point where seniors may require assistance with normal daily activities. Aging adults need help to ensure they’re properly dressed, and they must be reminded to eat. By this stage, seniors may still remember personal hygiene habits, recognize loved ones, and be able to recall details about their past.
If your elderly loved one is living with a serious medical condition and needs help managing the tasks of daily living, reach out to Senior Stride Home Care, an Oshkosh elderly home care agency you can trust. Our caregivers are available 24/7, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our in-home care services.
Sixth Stage
As older adults enter the sixth phase of Alzheimer’s disease, they may need constant supervision by a caregiver. Seniors typically recognize only the faces of their immediate family members. At this point, they may not be able to recall information, and they require assistance with daily activities, including personal hygiene. Unless directed to the bathroom on a regular basis, seniors in this stage often experience incontinence. Personality changes often occur, along with episodes of agitation, anger, and paranoia. These behaviors often appear in the evening and are referred to as sundowning.
Seventh Stage
During the final phase of the disease, seniors may no longer be able to communicate coherently. Some older adults aren’t aware of where they are, and they no longer recognize loved ones. Movement and mobility are often affected to the point of needing a wheelchair. Older adults may face difficulty swallowing, which necessitates dietary alterations.
Every senior living with Alzheimer’s deserves high-quality Alzheimer’s care. Oshkosh families can rely on the caregivers at Senior Stride Home Care to keep their loved ones safe while managing the symptoms of the disease. Using our Cognitive Therapeutics Method, our caregivers help seniors regain a sense of pride and accomplishment while promoting cognitive health. To learn more about our highly trained caregivers, call us at 920-717-1767.