Care: In this stage, total care is required for the Alzheimer’s patient. Total bathing, dressing, feeding, and changing of adult diapers is needed. Food may have to be pureed (ground into thick liquid), and medicine ground up. Careful attention should be paid to the skin of the bedfast patient. Caregivers experience great physical demand because the patient is no longer mobile in any way. The patient does not know the people once familiar to him and can not communicate. The physical and emotional toll for family members caring for the patient is high.
Knowing the stages of Alzheimer’s disease can aid in understanding what to expect and how to plan. Taking care of the caregiver should be included in your plans.
Alzheimer’s disease changes the way of life for those families affected. Knowing the signs and symptoms can alert a family to the possibility of a loved one having Alzheimer’s. Early diagnosis and treatment may help delay some of the symptoms and allow for time to plan for the future. Although there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, taking care of your health may help in preventing it. When Alzheimer’s disease affects your family, knowing the stages of the disease and what to expect can help decrease stress and plan for future care of your loved one.