The Progression Of Alzheimers Disease: Stages Of The Disease


Alzheimer disease is a very well known disease that is on the forefront of research. Scientists are trying to discover how this disease works, and treatments that can be used to counter the progressive nature of the disease. The progression of Alzheimers disease can vary from patient to patient, but it does seem to travel in a similar manner.

The Typical Progression Of Alzheimers Disease

Through years of research, doctors have determined the progression of Alzheimers disease. The initial stage is considered stage 1. During this period, there are no symptoms or signs of Alzheimer disease.

The next step in the progression of Alzheimers disease is stage 2. During this stage little symptoms begin to show. Becoming forgetful is one of the classic symptoms during this stage of the progression of Alzheimers disease. People may experience forgetting where they put something like keys or glasses. The symptoms do not appear that obvious, and are sometimes associated with being too busy or just getting older.

The third stage is when other people begin to notice the changes in a persons memory or abilities. This part of the progression of Alzheimers disease is when many begin talking to a physician and looking for answers to their forgetfulness. At this stage many people are beginning to have problems at work, reading something and then forgetting what it said. The symptoms are becoming more noticeable and severe.

The next stage in the progression of Alzheimer disease is stage four. The memory continues to decline and the ability to perform tasks becomes more of a problem. Just being able to plan an event, or do the checkbook is difficult.

The progression of Alzheimers disease then hits stage 5, where the individual may not remember their address, or phone number. They may become confused at simple questions. They will still be able to use a bathroom by themselves, but are becoming more confused during social situations.

The next two stages show an increase in the patients inability to physically take care of themselves. Stages 6 and 7 in the progression of Alzheimers disease are when constant care needs to occur. Patients may loose their ability to communicate, to swallow and they will need supervision. They may become unable to walk, sit-up by themselves and their muscles become rigid.

The average life span of a patient with Alzheimers is 8 years, but they can live anywhere from 3 to 20 years. The progression of Alzheimers disease is difficult for family members to watch as the stages indicate; it becomes a completely disabling disuse. If symptoms are noticed it is important to consult a physician for a complete evaluation.

Alzheimer Treatments

Alzheimer research plays an important role in finding ways to not only treat this disease but also, discover it early enough to start treatment.

Eating can also be challenge for the Alzheimers caregiver, as many times the patient may have lost the memory of their favorite foods. Some of the most common symptoms are: memory loss and changes in expressive speech, inability to learn any new information, taking longer to finish routine daily tasks, mood and personality changes such as depression or increased anxiety problems, difficulty with planning meals or taking medications on schedule, trouble with performing simple math problems or handling money, confusion about the location of familiar places, and poor judgment which often will lead to faulty decisions. Alzheimers disease is a well documented illness that is devastating to millions of people around the world.

You may find that your family member will show symptoms of Alzheimers disease like confusion over the time of day or year.
Alzheimers patients will also lose their sense of time and place. These groups include late-onset Alzheimers disease and Familial Alzheimers Disease (FAD). Some research claims that you have about a 1. It is also a good idea to remove plug-in appliances from the bathroom to prevent the risk of electrical shock, and lock cabinets that have potentially dangerous items and substances. The contents of the letter show the courage and determination of the former President in meeting the challenges posed to him from this dreadful disease and not wanting to keep the Alzheimers Ronald Reagan condition private was a bold move on his part in that by going public it would raise consciousness about Alzheimers disease and promote better understanding of the condition.

They may become confused at simple questions.
There is however, he further states, the need for the family to be able to cope with the painful experience that his family would surely go through, and that he was sure that with the help of the public such difficulties would be less for the former First Lady. It is a disease which typically affects people over the age of sixty, although this is not definite, and your risk is higher of developing it if a family member has had the disease. There is one mediacation for Alzheimers disease that can be given in the later stages of the illness, and this is memantine, which is known by the commercial name, Namenda. Many of these tests focus on eliminating other possible causes of the patients symptoms rather than testing specifically for Alzheimers disease. This factor has lead doctors to believe that no single gene abnormality may be the cause of either type of Alzheimers disease. Finding alzheimers disease help doesnt have to be limited to your local help centers and doctors.