Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, accounting for nearly 3/4 of cases in the United States. The condition affects memory, behavior, and cognitive capability, and symptoms eventually progress to the point that they interfere with daily life. The progressive symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s gradually worsen over time. In its earliest phases, memory loss is mild, but with late-stage Alzheimer’s, individuals lose many basic capabilities, including the ability to have a coherent conversation and respond appropriately to their surroundings. Even though the most significant risk factor of Alzheimer’s is age, it should not be considered a natural effect of aging.
Did You Know? Most people with Alzheimer’s are 65 and older, and the condition is referred to as younger-onset Alzheimer’s if it affects a person under 65.
The Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease progresses in identifiable stages, with symptoms growing more serious over time.
Asymptomatic: An asymptomatic person may be experiencing biological changes in their brain but manifesting no cognitive symptoms. The evidence of Alzheimer’s in the brain may be present for several decades before memory, thinking, or behavior is affected.
Mild Cognitive Impairment(MCI): MCI is an early phase of memory loss or diminished cognitive ability affecting an individual who can still independently perform most activities of daily living. Some of those living with MCI may develop dementia, but others will not.
Mild Dementia: A person living with this phase of Alzheimer’s disease will typically begin to experience interference with their ability to perform some daily activities.
Moderate Dementia: Those with moderate dementia will exhibit more pronounced symptoms that interfere with many aspects of their daily routine.
Severe Dementia: Those living with severe dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease will exhibit symptoms that interfere with most everyday activities.
Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease
As we age, our brains change just a the rest of our bodies do. Most people notice slower thinking and occasional issues with memory as they grow older. However, more serious lapses in memory and frequent confusion may be a sign that cells of the brain are failing.
The changes associated with Alzheimer’s originate in the part of the brain that affects learning. Therefore the most common early evidence of Alzheimer’s is difficulty remembering recently acquired information. As Alzheimer’s advances, increasingly severe symptoms may occur, including:
- Disorientation
- Mood swings
- Behavioral changes
- Increasing confusion about time and place
- Unwarranted suspicions about family, friends, and caregivers
- Difficulty speaking and swallowing
- Advancing mobility issues
Seniors who are experiencing memory loss or other potential signs of Alzheimer’s may not recognize they have an issue. Symptoms of this kind of dementia may be more apparent to family members or friends, who should encourage their loved ones to see a physician as soon as possible. Click here to find a medical professional with experience evaluating memory problems.
Early diagnosis and intervention techniques have been improving significantly, and treatment options may improve quality of life more than ever. Two resources for family support from the Alzheimer’s Association are ALZConnected , an online social networking community, and Alzheimer’s Navigator, a web resource that designs [personalized action plans based on responses to a short online survey.
If your loved one has been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s and you are considering your next step – My Care Finders can help. We are a FREE service that provides guidance and advocacy for families seeking the most appropriate
