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Alzheimer’s is a disease that affects millions and severely affects the brain and memory.
Alzheimer’s affects more than 6 million Americans, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. It is usually seen in people of older age. According to the source, about one in nine people over the age of 65 has the disease. As of now, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s usually comes in stages and gets worse over time. Every case is different and some progress faster than others.
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The disease is a form of dementia.
Those in the early stages may experience minor, mild symptoms, while those with a more severe case require round-the-clock care.
More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. (iStock)
Different organizations divide the stages of Alzheimer’s in different ways. Some, such as the Alzheimer’s Association, divide the stages into three categories; early stage (mild), middle stage (moderate) and late stage (severe).
The disease can also be broken down further. Some break down the stages into preclinical Alzheimer’s disease, mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to Alzheimer’s disease, mild dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease, moderate dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease, and severe dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease.
The disease is not “one size fits all”. The severity of symptoms and the timing of noticeable symptoms will vary from person to person.
It is important to note that everyone is affected by the disease differently. The severity and timing of symptoms will vary from case to case, making it difficult to tell what stage of Alzheimer’s a person is in.
These stages are a guide to some of the common symptoms that may occur. Some may not experience certain symptoms at all, others may experience symptoms from different stages at the same time. For some, symptoms can worsen quickly, while others can live with mild symptoms for years. The disease is not “one size fits all”.
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The severity of the symptoms and when the symptoms are noticeable varies from person to person.
Here are the broader three stages of Alzheimer’s disease and the symptoms that can occur during each stage.
Early stage (mild)Middle stage (moderate)Late stage (severe)
Alzheimer’s has a major impact on older people. (iStock)
1. Early stage (mild)
Someone living through the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease will likely still be able to independently perform daily tasks and engage in social activities. Those in this stage can usually still do things like drive and go to work.
There are some symptoms that appear in this stage, which are usually related to mild memory loss. Individuals at this early stage may have difficulty thinking of a particular word. They may also have trouble remembering someone’s name or recent events.
Individuals experiencing the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease may experience difficulty performing tasks in social situations or at work.
Those in this stage may forget material they just read and find themselves losing items more often. They may also have difficulty performing tasks in social situations or at work. At this stage, they may also struggle with staying organized and handling money/bills.
2. Mid stage (moderate)
For many, this is the stage that takes the longest. People with Alzheimer’s disease can be in this stage for many years, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. During this phase, people need more care than in the first phase.
People in the later stages of Alzheimer’s disease need care to perform daily tasks. (iStock)
During this stage, the individual may experience mood swings, act in unexpected ways, confuse words, and have difficulty performing daily tasks independently.
In this stage, people may also have difficulty recalling past memories and information about themselves. They can get confused about where they are and forget the names of people close to them.
They may also find it difficult to learn new things or complete multi-step tasks.
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The individual will likely need help with simple tasks, such as getting dressed. The person may also notice changes in sleep patterns.
People with moderate Alzheimer’s disease can get lost and experience both personality and behavioral changes.
Difficulty sleeping is one of the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. (iStock)
3. Late stage (severe)
When an Alzheimer’s patient reaches the severe stage of the disease, he or she will require round-the-clock care, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.
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Some of the symptoms in this stage include the inability to hold conversations and the inability to control movements. Individuals will also lose consciousness, have difficulty communicating and be vulnerable to infection.
Another common symptom at this stage is loss of bladder and bowel control.
Ashlyn Messier is a writer for Fox News Digital.
