There is no greater challenge, fulfillment and stress than caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease. There will be good days and bad days. Throughout the disease process caregivers will need to assess and evaluate the needs of the patient because the needs of Alzheimer’s patients change constantly. Knowing what stage of the disease a person is in can help with care decisions.
Dr. Barry Reisberg, Clinical Director of New York University of Medicine’s Silberstein Aging & Dementia Research Center, developed a framework of stages that outlines the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Progressing through the stages can be different for everyone. Being familiar with the stages of Alzheimer’s disease can help families, caregivers and medical professionals understand what to expect and how to provide better care to the patient.
Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease
Stage One: No Impairment
Although Alzheimer’s disease has already begun, there are usually no symptoms in this stage.
Care: Self
Stage Two: Very Mild Cognitive Decline
This stage involves minor memory lapses, forgetting familiar words, names or locations of everyday objects. These symptoms are not usually evident to family or friends.
Care: Self. If Alzheimer’s disease has been diagnosed, the family member or caregiver should frequently evaluate how the person is doing with daily tasks, if they are in a safe environment, and how the disease is progressing. Decisions about future care and financial matters should be discussed while the Alzheimer’s patient can verbalize his wishes.
Stage Three: Mild Cognitive Decline
Stage three is usually when Alzheimer’s disease is diagnosed. Family and friends begin to notice that the person with Alzheimer’s disease is having difficulty remembering things like appointments, names, or recent events. They may lose their checkbook, valuable items or common everyday objects. There may be performance issues at work. The person with Alzheimer’s disease retains little of read material and has difficulty planning and organizing. They may get lost in familiar places, spend less time doing favorite hobbies or avoid social situations.