Alzheimer’s is a progressive neurological disease that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. It’s the most common type of dementia, a general term for memory loss and cognitive decline.
As we age, it’s normal to experience some level of forgetfulness. It’s common to forget minor details, like where you put your keys or the name of someone you just met. This type of forgetfulness does not necessarily indicate a serious cognitive decline.
Dementia is a level of memory loss that can go beyond the normal aging process, interfering with daily life. Alzheimer’s and dementia are not a normal part of aging, but learning more about these conditions can help you support your loved one and get them the care they need.
There are 7 stages of Alzheimer’s:
- Normalcy
- Occasional symptoms
- Noticeable memory difficulties
- Intermediate forgetfulness
- Decreased independence
- Severe decline
- Late-stage dementia
Stage 1: Normalcy
Changes to the brain related to Alzheimer’s typically begin before symptoms appear. This earliest stage is often called “pre-Alzheimer’s” and occurs 10–15 years before noticeable symptoms appear.
However, behind the scenes, brain cells are beginning to degrade. At this point, there are no signs of memory loss or other cognitive impairment.
Stage 2: Occasional Symptoms
This stage is still very, and forgetfulness at this point may look normal, like forgetting where they put their keys or losing track of a word, but they can still drive, socialize, or work.
You may notice slight changes in their memory or behavior even before they do.
If your loved one exhibits signs, don’t dismiss them. A professional medical diagnosis and regular checkups can get them the appropriate medical care and monitor their condition.
Stage 3: Noticeable Memory Difficulties
At this stage, symptoms may become more noticeable. It’s common to be diagnosed during this stage because it’s often when one’s routine becomes disrupted.
Your loved one may start showing symptoms like:
- Forgetting events or important information
- Trouble remembering recently read material
- Difficulting retrieving names or words
- Challenges at work or in social situations
Schedule a medical evaluation with your loved one’s doctor if you notice these symptoms. These symptoms are often early indicators that Alzheimer’s is progressing. However, an early diagnosis can get your loved one proper care and support.
Stage 4: Intermediate Forgetfulness
At this stage, damage to the brain can impact language, organization, and calculations alongside cognition, making daily tasks more difficult.
Your loved one may experience significant challenges with their memory. Although they will likely remember major details about their life, like where they live or who they’re married to, your loved one may:
- Feel confused about the current day and their location
- Wander off or become lost
- Experience changes in sleep patterns, like restlessness at night and daytime sleeping
- Struggle to select appropriate clothing for the weather or specific occasions
Situations that require a lot of thinking can become frustrating for them, and they may experience personality changes due to brain cell damage. They may become suspicious of others, have less interest in things, or become depressed.
Symptoms during this stage maybe improved with medication.
Stage 5: Decreased Independence
In this stage, your loved one might have trouble recognizing and remembering important people in their life, like close family and friends. Learning new things becomes challenging, and even simple tasks like getting dressed can be overwhelming.
Alongside these challenges, emotional changes are also common, such as:
- Seeing things that aren’t really there (hallucinations)
- Holding onto false beliefs (delusions)
- Feeling suspicious or mistrustful of others (paranoia)
Stage 6: Severe Decline
When Alzheimer’s disease progresses to this level, it starts to affect almost every aspect of your loved one’s life. They’ll experience more significant symptoms that will impact their ability to manage their own care, including:
- Communication challenges, like voicing when they’re in pain
- Extreme personality and behavioral changes
- Increased anxiety, hallucinations, delusions and paranoia
- Severe memory loss
- Unable to recognize familiar faces, surroundings, or belongings
At this stage, your loved one will depend more on others and need assistance with most of their daily tasks.
Stage 7: Late-Stage Dementia
The destruction of the brain cells eventually leads to severe mental and physical impairment that impacts every part of their life. Their body may begin to shut down as their mind struggles to process information. Your loved one may lose the ability to communicate or identify the things around them. They may have trouble eating, using the bathroom, or taking medication.
At this point, professional care may be essential. Late-stage Alzheimer’s and dementia pose unique challenges that can be difficult to address at home. Memory care can help manage these needs and give your loved one a higher quality of life.
What to Do When a Loved One Is Diagnosed with Dementia
Memory care communities can provide essential supportive care for your loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia. These communities are designed to provide individualized care that focuses on the unique needs of those with memory impairment.Our team at Somerby Santa Rosa Beach is dedicated to residents’ wellcare journey, no matter their needs. We’re here for you and your family. Contact us to see if memory care is the right solution for your family.
