3 Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease: What to expect as your loved one progresses through each stage
Alzheimer's Disease is a neurodegenerative disease that affects the brain. It's the most common form of dementia and accounts for between 60 and 70% of all cases. This progressive disease causes a decline in cognitive function, leading to problems including memory loss, thinking clarity, and reasoning. The cause of Alzheimer's Disease is unknown, but it is believed to be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. There is no cure for Alzheimer's Disease, but there are treatments available that can help improve symptoms.
How Quickly Does Alzheimer's Disease Progress?
Alzheimer's disease is a form of dementia that progressively gets worse over time. On average, the condition can take up to 10 years to progress from mild cognitive decline to severe cognitive impairment. However, the rate of progression varies significantly from person to person and depends on age, genetics, environment, lifestyle, and other factors. Early diagnosis and treatment can slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s disease and improve quality of life for those with the disorder.
“Dementia care—it's not rocket science, it's heart science."
Gail Weatherill, RN
The Forms of Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia
There are several different types of dementia, all of which cause a decline in mental abilities. The most common type is Alzheimer's disease, which affects over half a million Canadians. Each type has its own set of symptoms, which can make diagnosis and treatment difficult. There is currently no cure for dementia, but there are treatments available that can help improve the quality of life for those living with the condition.
Some of the types of dementia include:
Alzheimer's disease
Binswanger's disease
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
Frontotemporal dementia
Huntington's disease
Lewy body dementia
Multiple sclerosis
Parkinson's disease
Pick's disease
Posterior cortical atrophy
What are the 3 Stages of Alzheimer's Disease?
There are three stages of Alzheimer's disease: early stage, middle stage, and late stage dementia.
The early stage of dementia is the mildest and may not even be noticed. People may have some memory lapses and be a little confused, but generally can still take care of themselves.
The middle stage is more severe and is often called moderate dementia. The person may have trouble with memory and thinking skills and may need help with basic activities like bathing and dressing as physical abilities start to decline along with memory loss. As the disease progresses you will see an ongoing cognitive decline.
The late stage has the most severe symptoms. The person may be completely unable to deal with personal care and may not recognize family members or friends.
“P
lease remember the real me when I cannot remember you.”
Julie White
Early Stage Dementia (Mild Cognitive Impairment)
The early stage of Alzheimer's disease may be called mild dementia. In this stage, people may start to experience some memory problems, but they can still carry out their normal activities and daily life. For example, they may forget what they did earlier in the day, but they can still remember their spouse's name and where they live. They may forget where they put their keys, but they know what the keys are for.
At first, the symptoms may seem almost funny as family members often will think the new behaviours are simply a part of aging. But as the disease progresses and begins to turn from mild dementia to moderate dementia, mental function begins to be impacted more significantly. Individuals may have difficulty concentrating and have personality changes. This can confuse family members.
People at an earlier stage of dementia often go on to develop full-blown Alzheimer's disease. However, others never progress past the initial stage. Scientists are still trying to figure out what causes some people with mild cognitive impairment to progress to Alzheimer's and others not to.
Other examples of cognitive decline at this early stage may include:
Forgetting the name of an acquaintance.
Having trouble remembering where you put your car keys.
Taking longer to do chores or tasks that you used to do easily.
Becoming easily confused, especially in unfamiliar situations.
Forgetting dates of regular events.
Difficulty finding the right words to express a thought or substituting the wrong words.
Shirley has Mild Cognitive Impairment, which means that her memory and thinking skills are not as sharp as they used to be. This makes everyday tasks like grocery shopping and cooking a challenge. Shirley often forgets what she was going to buy at the store, and she has started to forget how to cook some of her favorite recipes.
Fortunately, her husband John is always there to help her out. He either goes grocery shopping with her or helps her cook dinner. He knows all of her favorite recipes by heart, and he can always remind Shirley of what she needs to buy at the store.
Other family members don't always see what is happening at this stage of Alzheimer's disease and often it is helpful to seek out support groups for the person living with dementia.
You may begin to wonder how long your loved one with dementia can stay at home during this phase.
"Release in your mind who your loved one used to be and accept who they are today."
J. Rusnak, PhD
Middle Stage Dementia (Moderate Alzheimer's Disease)
Every person experiences dementia in a different way, however at this stage of the disease, you may see behaviours such as:
Forgetting events or personal history (especially recent events).
Feeling depressed or withdrawn, especially in socially or mentally challenging situations.
Forgetting or being confused about major life events such as moving, children’s weddings or a death in the family.
Experiencing more significant memory loss or confusion about where they are or what day it is.
Forgetting familiar words and family member names.
Needing assistance choosing proper clothes for the season or the occasion.
Having trouble with bladder control or bowel movements.
Functioning independently and becoming overly reliant on their partners.
Experiencing changes in sleep cycles.
Demonstrating personality and behavioral changes, including suspiciousness and delusions.
Compulsive, repetitive behavior like hand-wringing or tissue shredding.
Becoming obsessive about a perceived valuable object.
In the middle stage, those living with Alzheimer’s disease can still participate in daily activities and often can complete self care tasks with assistance. It’s important to simplify tasks to suit what the person can still do.
As the dementia progresses and the need for more care grows, family caregivers may want to think about respite care or community programs so they can have a break from caregiving while their loved ones living with Alzheimer’s disease receive care in the safety of their own home.
"Be kind for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle."
Socrates
Late Stage Dementia (Severe Dementia)
At this final stage of Alzheimer's disease or advanced dementia, daily tasks become difficult if not impossible. You may see your loved one:
Become more frail.
Have more frequent falls.
Experience at a higher risk of disease, especially pneumonia.
Have problems eating, drinking and swallowing.
Be more likely to need urgent medical care.
Become less mobile.
Talk less often.
In this stage, you should expect to need some form of regular respite assistance. At the final stage of the disease, you may choose palliative care options for your loved one.
“I am seeking, I am not lost. I am forgetful, I am not gone.”
Koenig Coste
A Note on Preclinical Alzheimer's Disease
Recently scientists have found Alzheimer's disease begins long before symptoms become apparent. It is called Preclinical Alzheimer's Disease.
New imaging technologies can now identify deposits of a protein called amyloid-beta on the brain which is considered to be an early indicator of Alzheimer's disease. The ability to identify these deposits in an individual's brain could be a key tool for diagnosis and life extension on both sides: patients can get treatments early on before it is too late; researchers find out about new leads or breakthroughs which might help them create better therapies.
It's important research that needs to continue.
What is the Effect on Family Members as the Disease Progresses
It is important to realize that as the disease progresses and your loved one moves through the stages of Alzheimer's disease, you and your family will move through a range of emotions. This is normal.
The same seven stages that come with grief and loss of a loved one may occur with a diagnosis and progression of dementia. This can be very difficult for both the individual with dementia and their loved ones. The first stage is denial, which can be followed by anger, bargaining, depression, testing, acceptance, and finally peace.
It is important to remember that these stages are not linear, and people may experience them multiple times or in a different order. It is also important to remember that everyone experiences grief differently. For some, the early stages may be more difficult while others may struggle more in the later stages.
Denial
During the first stage of grief, denial, both the person who has received a diagnosis of dementia and their family members may experience feelings of disbelief and confusion. You may feel like you are in a bad dream and that the diagnosis is not real. You or your loved one may also be reluctant to accept help from others. This is a normal response to such shocking news and will eventually pass.
Anger
The second stage of grief is often anger. You may feel angry at the person with dementia for what you perceive as abandonment, or angry at doctors for not being able to cure the disease, and angry at fate for what seems like such a cruel twist.
This anger can be very disruptive and overwhelming, making it difficult to cope with the other realities that come with a dementia diagnosis.
Bargaining
In the third stage of grief, bargaining, someone who has received a diagnosis of dementia or their family members may experience feelings of both guilt and hope.
You feel guilty because you feel like you are unable to do anything to help your loved one while hoping that there may be a cure or treatment available that can reverse the effects of dementia.
Depression
In the fourth stage of grief, depression, caregivers may experience feelings of sadness, loneliness, and isolation. If you start to feel like you are not able to cope with the demands of caring for a loved one with dementia, it is important to seek help. You may also feel guilty or resentful for your situation.
Caregivers should seek help from a professional if they are experiencing these symptoms as this can be a tender time for everyone.
Testing
The fifth stage of grief is known as testing. At this stage, a person may try to find ways to deny or convince themselves that the loss is not real. For a family member of a person with dementia, this may manifest as searching for a cure or trying to find ways to reverse the effects of the disease. A person in this stage may also lash out in anger, blaming others for the situation.
It is important to remember that these actions are not personal; they are simply a way for the individual to cope with their deep sense of loss.
If you are supporting someone who is in the testing stage of grief, it is important to be patient and understand that they are simply trying to make sense of an extremely difficult situation. Offer your support and love, and let them know that you are there for them no matter what.
Acceptance
As you move through the stages of grief, you may experience a range of emotions, from denial and anger to bargaining and depression. Ultimately, however, you will reach a stage of acceptance. This can be a difficult stage to reach, as it requires accepting the reality of the situation.
For family members of someone with dementia, this may mean accepting that their loved one is no longer the person they once knew. You may need to accept that the dementia is progressive and that your loved one will continue to decline.
While this can be a difficult stage to reach, it is important to remember that acceptance does not mean giving up. Rather, it is about coming to terms with the situation and making the best of it. By accepting the reality of the situation, you can focus on providing support and care for your loved one.
Peace
The final stage of grief is often called peace.
At this point, the family member of a person with dementia has come to terms with the disease and its impact on their loved one. You may still feel sadness and loss, but you have also accepted that there is nothing they can do to change the situation.
In some cases, family members may even find themselves feeling grateful for the time they had with their loved one, despite the challenges of the disease. Whatever the case may be, the seventh stage of grief is characterized by a sense of resolution and peace.
Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease - Final Notes
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive, irreversible brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills. It is the most common form of dementia, affecting more than half a million Canadians. There is no cure for Alzheimer's disease, but treatments are available to help manage symptoms. With proper care and support, many people with Alzheimer's can lead fulfilling lives well into their later years.
Do You Need Help at Home for Your Loved One with Dementia?
Choice Dementia Services has been providing high-quality, compassionate in-home care to seniors diagnosed with dementia and their families since 2016. Our team of caregivers is dedicated to helping you live happier, healthier lives at home. We are trained professionals who are ready to help with any task from housekeeping and meal prep to personal hygiene and transportation. And we offer 24/7 emergency support and respite care and always put your loved ones first.
You can trust us with your loved ones because we understand the importance of creating a safe environment where they feel comfortable living. We know that every person has unique needs – which is why we customize each care plan based on what matters most to them and you so they can stay true to themselves as long as possible without sacrificing quality of life along the way. Whether it’s getting groceries delivered right outside their door or having someone come by twice a week for an afternoon chat, Choice Dementia Services will make sure your loved one feels happy and cared for at all times during their time with us.