The person’s memory continues to worsen in this stage and although they may know their own name, they occasionally forget the names of their children or spouse. They can distinguish between familiar and unfamiliar faces, however. A person with Alzheimer’s disease in this stage can have significant personality changes. Some people become very suspicious or delusional. They may think you are trying to poison them or are not who you say you are. Compulsive, repetitive behavior is common, such as wringing hands, tearing tissues into shreds for hours, or beating a spoon against the table. They need extensive assistance with showering, eating and dressing. Frequently, they will put their shoes on the wrong feet, pajamas over the clothing they wore that day or forget to eat. Most awareness of recent events is lost. Incontinence (loss of bowel and bladder control) increases. They will need assistance with toileting.
Care: Alzheimer’s patients in this stage require full time, total care. The patient is usually still mobile and needs extensive supervision. The patient may exhibit aggressive behavior or cry a lot. The role of caregiver is very demanding. Many patients are up throughout the night, requiring the caregiver to stay up. The emotional and physical demands of taking care of an Alzheimer’s patient in this stage are tremendous. Usually, more than one caregiver is needed. It is important to have a good, solid support system during this stressful time.
Stage Seven: Very Severe Cognitive Decline
This is the final stage of Alzheimer’s disease. People in this stage of Alzheimer’s disease lose their ability to communicate, respond to their environment, and control movement. They may occasionally utter words but no real speech is formed. They need assistance with eating, toileting, walking and sitting. Frequently they can not hold their heads up without assistance or sit without support. Swallowing is impaired and their muscles become rigid. Patients in this stage sleep more often and are prone to pneumonia and infections. This stage eventually leads to death.