Seven stages of Alzheimer's disease

Now, during Alzheimer's Awareness month, is an important time to recognize Alzheimer's and its symptoms. Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia that has a higher risk factor with increasing age. It is a progressive disease that worsens with time. Besides the most common early symptom of Alzheimer's, which is difficulty remembering new information, there are seven stages of Alzheimer's, according to the Alzheimer's Association. It is important to track the different stages to have an understanding and be an efficient caregiver to a loved one.

Dr. Kevin O'Neil, a geriatrician and certified medical director for Brookdale Senior Living, states, "Memory changes can be related to a host of different conditions other than Alzheimer's disease, such as adverse medication effects, an under active thyroid, and even depression or anxiety. Therefore, an evaluation by a physician is a necessary first step in determining the underlying cause for memory difficulties."

"Senior moments" can happen often, but it is important to be aware when these instances turn into something more serious. If one is experiencing other types of memory loss such as becoming momentarily lost in a familiar room, is forgetting or misplacing things more frequently, or is perhaps forgetting more recent events and having trouble understanding directions, this may indicate what is called Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). MCI may or may not be a pre-cursor to developing Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia, but should be mentioned to one's physician as a concern.  

The Alzheimer's Association identifies the seven stages of Alzheimer's as such:

• Stage 1: No impairment: The person does not experience any memory problems. An interview with a medical professional does not show any evidence of symptoms.
• Stage 2: Very mild decline: The person may feel as if he or she is having memory lapses forgetting familiar words or the location of everyday objects. But no symptoms can be detected during a medical examination or by friends, family or co-workers.
• Stage 3: Mild decline: Friends, family or co-workers begin to notice difficulties. During a detailed medical interview, doctors may be able to detect problems in memory or concentration.
• Stage 4: Moderate decline (mild or early stage): At this point, a careful medical interview should be able to detect clear-cut problems, such as forgetfulness or recent events.
• Stage 5: Moderately severe decline (moderate or mid-stage): Gaps in memory and thinking are noticeable, and individuals begin to need help with day-to-day activities
• Stage 6: Severe decline (moderately severe or mid-stage): Memory continues to worsen, personality changes may take place and individuals need extensive help with daily activities.
• Stage 7: Very severe decline (Severe or late stage): In the final stage of this disease, individuals lose the ability to respond to their environment, to carry on a conversation and, eventually, to control movement. They may still say words or phrases. At this stage, individuals need help with much of their daily personal care, including eating or using the toilet. They may also lose the ability to smile, to sit without support and to hold their heads up. Reflexes become abnormal. Muscles grow rigid. Swallowing is impaired.(1)

Leeza Gibbons, media personality and founder of the Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation, states, "This disease is unbearably cruel; taking not only the diagnosed loved one, but the entire family unravels under the stress and grief. It is imperative that we all 'own'  Alzheimer's and recognize that by supporting caregivers we are offering our best efforts to help those who are afflicted. All of us at the Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation believe that those who are forgetting should not be forgotten and no caregiver should be alone.  That's why our work with Brookdale's Optimum Life is so important.  We are in lock step working toward a day when Alzheimer's can be just a memory."

If you are concerned about memory loss in oneself or a loved one, it is very important to seek the advice and evaluation of a physician. There are tests a physician can perform that can help to determine if symptoms are just "senior moments" or something more serious. There are also many reasons why someone might be experiencing changes in their memory which may not be Alzheimer's disease or early dementia, and treating these causes can clear up the memory problems.  

However, early detection of Alzheimer's disease is very important. The current medications used for treatment of Alzheimer's, which help to stall the progression of the disease, have been found to be more effective the earlier in the disease process they are begun.