You might be familiar with the symptoms of later stages of Alzheimer’s such as memory loss and poor judgment. It is important to understand the earlier symptoms as well, so that the disease is caught sooner. Alzheimer’s disease progresses through several stages, each characterized by different symptoms and levels of cognitive and functional decline. While the progression can vary between individuals, the stages typically follow this general pattern: 

1. Preclinical Alzheimer’s Disease 

Description: 

• Symptoms: No noticeable symptoms at this stage.
• Changes: Brain changes begin years or even decades before symptoms appear, including the buildup of amyloid plaques and tau tangles.

2. Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) due to Alzheimer’s Disease 

Description: 

• Symptoms: Mild but noticeable changes in memory and thinking skills. These changes are more significant than normal age-related changes but not severe enough to interfere significantly with daily life.
• Changes: Problems with memory (for example, forgetting recent conversations or events), difficulty in making decisions, and trouble with complex tasks.

3. Mild Dementia due to Alzheimer’s Disease 

Description: 

• Symptoms: Memory loss worsens and begins to interfere with daily activities. People may experience confusion, trouble handling money, and difficulty with routine tasks.
• Changes: Forgetting personal history, problems with language (e.g., finding the right words), losing or misplacing items, and changes in mood and personality, such as increased anxiety or depression.

4. Moderate Dementia due to Alzheimer’s Disease 

Description: 

• Symptoms: Memory loss and confusion become more pronounced. Individuals may need help with daily activities and personal care.
• Changes: Increased memory loss, significant confusion, inability to recognize family and friends, difficulty with language and communication, repetitive statements or movements, and behavioral changes such as agitation, aggression, or delusions.

5. Severe Dementia due to Alzheimer’s Disease 

Description: 

• Symptoms: Individuals lose the ability to respond to their environment, carry on a conversation, and, eventually, control movement.
• Changes: Extensive assistance with daily activities is required. Loss of the ability to walk, sit, and eventually swallow. Significant weight loss, vulnerability to infections, and total dependence on caregivers.

Detailed Breakdown of Each Stage 

Early Stage (Mild Alzheimer’s) 

• Symptoms: Forgetfulness of recent events, names, or appointments; difficulty with problem-solving and complex tasks; trouble organizing and expressing thoughts.
• Daily Life Impact: Still independent in most activities but may require assistance with more complex tasks. Driving might become risky.

Middle Stage (Moderate Alzheimer’s) 

• Symptoms: Increased memory loss and confusion; difficulty recognizing family and friends; inability to learn new things; problems with language and thought processes.
• Daily Life Impact: Needs assistance with daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, and eating. Behavioral changes become more noticeable, including agitation, wandering, and inappropriate behavior.

Late Stage (Severe Alzheimer’s) 

• Symptoms: Severe cognitive decline; inability to communicate effectively; loss of awareness of recent experiences and surroundings; significant personality changes.

• Daily Life Impact: Total dependence on caregivers for personal care. Physical abilities decline, leading to difficulty swallowing, loss of bowel and bladder control, and increased susceptibility to infections.

End Stage 

• Symptoms: Near-total loss of cognitive function; inability to speak or respond; severe weight loss and physical decline.
• Daily Life Impact: Requires round-the-clock care. The individual may spend most of their time in bed and is prone to infections like pneumonia.

Understanding the stages of Alzheimer’s disease can help you plan for the care and support needed as the disease progresses. Early diagnosis and intervention can improve quality of life, and appropriate care strategies can help manage symptoms and support both the individuals with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers. 

 Come join us at Elder Square to gain a much deeper insight on how this disease progresses and what steps you can take to make it easier on your loved one. Book your free one-day access now!