Alzheimer’s disease is commonly referred to as the most common form of cognitive impairment among older adults.

It is a progressive condition that gradually worsens over time, and its symptoms may range from subtle forgetfulness to severe impairments. Alzheimer’s disease is progressive and goes through various stages, with each stage bringing different challenges.

Stage 1: No Impairment

The first stage of Alzheimer’s disease is known as the preclinical stage or simply the stage of no impairment. At this stage, individuals do not exhibit any signs of cognitive decline or problems with memory, thinking, or cognition.

Brain changes may already be occurring at this stage, but there is currently no noticeable effect on the individual’s daily life.

Stage 2: Very Mild Cognitive Decline

The second stage of Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by a slight decline in cognitive function, which may include memory or thinking problems that only the individual can sense.

Those close to the person may not notice any cognitive impairment or changes in behavior. Memory lapses, misplacing items, and struggling to find a common word may occur sporadically, but they are not severe enough to be recognized as dementia.

People at this stage can continue with their daily lives without any significant interference from symptoms.

Stage 3: Mild Cognitive Decline

In the third stage of Alzheimer’s, cognitive decline starts to become more evident yet still very mild.

Symptoms of mild cognitive impairment are noticeable to family members and may include struggle to remember words or names, difficulty with problem-solving, and increased difficulty with planning and organization than before. These changes can cause anxiety, stress, and discomfort for the individual.

Stage 4: Moderate Decline in Cognitive Functioning

In Stage 4 of Alzheimer’s disease, memory lapses become more persistent, and the individual may have difficulty making plans or organizing affairs. They may experience difficulty dressing, showering, or grooming.

People experiencing this stage of the disease may seem very forgetful, struggle with daily tasks, and have difficulty remembering familiar events or important details. Yet, they can usually maintain their social skills/activities and can remember their personal history.

Stage 5: Moderately Severe Cognitive Decline

Individuals entering Stage 5 of Alzheimer’s disease may begin to require help with various daily tasks such as dressing, grooming, bathing, and personal hygiene.

They may also experience significant difficulty remembering details such as their address, phone number, and the current date. As the cognitive decline continues, the individual may experience confusion about their location or current events.

While they may still be aware of their surroundings, they may start to struggle with personal planning and require closer supervision to avoid getting lost or confused.

Stage 6: Severe Cognitive Decline

In Stage 6, the individual’s cognitive decline significant, and they require more care. They may forget names of loved ones, find themselves in trouble with daily activities, and even need help going to the bathroom.

There is a high likelihood of incontinence, and they may require assistance with toileting, which is humiliating for the person but necessary for their health and hygiene.

The people with this stage may start to lose the ability to communicate verbally and may experience severe mood swings, aggressive behavior, atypical movements that involve shouting or wandering, and require significant assistance with the smallest of tasks. The individual may become distressed and agitated, and they may spend much of their time sleeping, which can lead to other health issues.

Stage 7: Very Severe Cognitive Decline

The final stage of Alzheimer’s disease is also known as the late-stage or severe stage. Typically, those in this stage have lost the ability to communicate and often require constant care to maintain their well-being.

Some of the common features include becoming bedridden, being unable to walk, loss of control over muscles, loss of ability to talk, combined with minimal brain function. People experiencing this stage rarely respond else and typically have a life expectancy of around one to three years.

Conclusion

Alzheimer’s disease is a gradual and progressive illness that can gradually worsen over time, and each stage brings new and complex challenges.

While it may be difficult for the individual and their families to cope with this illness, it’s essential to remember that there are various support networks available that can assist both the individual and their families and make the process less stressful. By understanding the seven stages of Alzheimer’s disease and identifying the symptoms, it’s easier to identify when a loved one requires help and additional support.