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During the earliest stage of Alzheimer’s disease, no changes in memory or mood occur. If cognitive function is evaluated, no signs of dementia are found. People at this stage are considered cognitively healthy.
But research suggests that the brain changes seen in
Alzheimer’s disease can begin as much as
15 to 20 years before the onset of symptoms. Studies have found that around 13% of older adults have stage 1 pre-clinical Alzheimer’s disease, of which about 1 in 5 will progress to stage 2.
Stage 1
STAGE 5
During this stage of Alzheimer’s disease, memory,
and cognitive problems become problematic to the point where regular assistance is needed with daily activities and self-care. Independent living is usually
no longer safe. Additional steps may need to be taken
to avoid accidents or injuries in the home.
Additionally, behavioral or emotional problems such as agitation, delusions, or paranoia may begin to emerge or worsen.
Medications used to slow the progression of
Alzheimer’s disease are no longer effective at this stage. But medications that help with specific symptoms may be recommended.
In the final stage of Alzheimer’s disease, both physical and cognitive health are severely compromised. It may be very difficult to understand people during this stage of disease. Their ability to speak may be lost entirely as the disease progresses.
Physical limitations also become more pronounced. Round-the-clock care is needed to prevent injuries.
Reduced mobility can lead to additional complications such as joint rigidity and pneumonia. Pneumonia can be life threatening — it's the most common cause of death in people with late-stage Alzheimer’s disease.
At this stage, someone with Alzheimer’s disease
will continue to lose their ability to care for themselves. They may have problems getting dressed, bathing,
or going to the bathroom on their own. Memory loss becomes more severe, and they may have trouble remembering family members or important life events.
Communication can become more challenging
during this time, which can contribute to emotional distress. Along with medications, counseling may
be recommended to help manage some of the psychological effects of Alzheimer’s disease.
STAGE 6
sTAGE 7
Understanding How Alzheimer’s Disease Progresses
Condition Progression Guide
Stage 1
STAGE 2
STAGE 3
STAGE 4
sTAGE 7
STAGE 6
STAGE 5
STAGE 4
This is considered mild or early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. It may last for several years.
More areas of the brain are affected, which can lead
to additional problems with language, calculations, and organization. Memory issues become more noticeable or problematic. Decision-making abilities may be affected.
Assistance may be needed with some activities, like driving, but independence may still be an option. Precautions are needed to prevent falls and burns.
Disease-modifying therapies that target the underlying disease, like lecanemab (Leqembi) and aducanumab (Aduhelm), may be prescribed, along with medications
to help manage symptoms.
stage 3
This stage of Alzheimer’s disease is also known as mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Loved ones may start to notice memory changes at this stage. It may become harder for someone with MCI to complete tasks that they once considered easy.
At this stage, brain imaging or blood tests may be done to help determine if MCI is caused by Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia and to determine the likelihood of progression to more severe disease.
Lifestyle changes such as adjustments to diet or activity levels — along with disease-modifying therapies or symptom-specific treatments — may be recommended to help slow, prevent, or reverse cognitive decline.
At this stage, people may begin to notice some
changes in their memory. They may have a harder time recalling names than they used to or may forget where they placed things. These memory lapses may be
similar to normal, age-related memory issues.
If cognitive function is evaluated, results are still considered normal. And not everyone who experiences memory changes will go on to develop Alzheimer's. These symptoms may be caused by various other factors, like distraction, lack of sleep, stress, depression, nutritional deficiencies, or medication side effects.
Get regular checkups and talk with your doctor about these types of symptoms in order to address, diagnose, and treat any issues promptly.
STAGE 2
