EXPLORING THE PROGRESSION OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE.

This Help Sheet discusses the progression of Alzheimer’s disease from the early stages to the final stages of advanced dementia.

People with Alzheimer’s disease differ in the patterns of problems they have, and the speed with which their abilities deteriorate. Their abilities may change from day to day, or even within the same day. What is certain though, is that the person’s abilities will deteriorate over time.

STAGES OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

Some of the features of Alzheimer’s disease are commonly classified into three stages or phases. It is important to remember that not all of these features will be present in every person, and that they might occur at different stages for some people. However, it remains a useful description of the general progression of dementia caused by Alzheimer’s disease.

MILD ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

Sometimes this stage is only apparent in hindsight. The onset of Alzheimer’s is usually very gradual, and it is often impossible to identify the exact time it began.

The person might:

• Appear more apathetic, with less sparkle

• Lose interest in hobbies and activities

• Be less willing to try new things

• Be less able to adapt to change

• Be slower to grasp complex ideas and take longer with routine jobs

• Become more forgetful of recent events

• Become confused or disoriented to time and place

• Become lost if away from familiar surroundings

• Be more likely to repeat themselves or lose the thread of their conversation

• Be more irritable or upset if they fail at something

• Have difficulty managing finances

• Have difficulty shopping or preparing meals

MODERATE ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

At this stage the person’s problems are more apparent and disabling. A person with moderate Alzheimer’s is not able to live independently, but requires significant day-to-day support.

The person might:

• Be very forgetful of current and recent events. Memory for the distant past is generally OK, but some details may be forgotten or confused.

• Be often confused regarding time and place

• Become lost more easily

• Forget names of family or friends, or confuse one family member with another

• Forget saucepans and kettles on the stove or leave gas lit

• Be less able to perform simple calculations

• Show poor judgement and make poor decisions

• Wander around streets, perhaps at night, sometimes becoming lost

• Behave inappropriately, for example going outdoors in nightwear

• See or hear things that are not there or become suspicious of others

• Become very repetitive

• Be neglectful of hygiene or eating

• Be unable to choose appropriate clothing for the weather or occasion

• Become angry, upset or distressed through frustration