Alzheimer's Disease Information
Symptoms
People vary in the length of time spent in each stage, and in which stage the signs and symptoms appear. Because the stages overlap, it is difficult to definitively place a person in a particular stage. However, the progression is always toward a worsening of symptoms. The stages identify groups of symptoms that reflect more and more brain decay and increasing dependence on caregivers. The end result of Alzheimer's is death, whether caused by the inability of the brain to keep the body going, or by another disease or injury along the way.
No matter what stage the individual is in at the time of diagnosis, apathy is a major problem from the beginning to the very end. More than forty per cent of people in early-stage Alzheimer's show a lack of interest, initiative, and emotional involvement. In the last stage of Alzheimer's, more than ninety per cent of people are apathetic.
The focus of early-stage Alzheimer's is cognitive decline. The Alzheimer's sufferer, as well as family, friends, co-workers, and medical practitioners start to notice the changes. Memory and concentration problems are evident and measurable by cognitive tests. Communication issues surface. Changes in personality and a few idiosyncratic behaviors begin to appear. As a result, the person’s performance suffers both at home and at work. The apathy and lack of engagement that is characteristic of all three stages begins here.
The focus of mid-stage Alzheimer's is a decline in functioning of many body systems at once and steadily increasing dependence on caregivers. In mid-stage Alzheimer's disease, the cognitive problems of early Alzheimer’s get worse and new ones develop. Memory and cognition problems become severe; communication becomes warped; and the personality is transformed.
The person has a marked change in appearance and hygiene as they become less and less able to take care of themselves. Physical problems increase, including problems with voluntary control of the body, and health declines. Wandering, aggressiveness, hallucinations, and paranoia appear.
This stage is the longest. Those sufferers who are able to recognize their own decline are especially at risk for becoming suicidal during this stage.
The focus of late-stage Alzheimer's is the complete deterioration of the personality. Cognitive symptoms worsen, and physical symptoms become profound. The loss of brain cells in all parts of the brain leads to lack of functioning in all systems of the body. The wild behaviors of earlier stages disappear, replaced by a dulling of the mind and body.
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