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Stages of Alzheimer's Disease

Adapted from the Alzheimer's Association.

Early-Stage Alzheimer's (mild)#

Common difficulties include:#

  • Coming up with the right word or name.
  • Remembering names when introduced to new people.
  • Having difficulty performing tasks in social or work settings.
  • Forgetting material that was just read.
  • Losing or misplacing a valuable object.
  • Experiencing increased trouble with planning or organizing.

Middle-Stage Alzheimer's (moderate)#

Symptoms, which vary from person to person, may include:#

  • Being forgetful of events or personal history.
  • Feeling moody or withdrawn, especially in socially or mentally challenging situations.
  • Being unable to recall information about themselves like their address or telephone number, and the high school or college they attended.
  • Experiencing confusion about where they are or what day it is.
  • Requiring help choosing proper clothing for the season or the occasion.
  • Having trouble controlling their bladder and bowels.
  • Experiencing changes in sleep patterns, such as sleeping during the day and becoming restless at night.
  • Showing an increased tendency to wander and become lost.
  • Demonstrating personality and behavioral changes, including suspiciousness and delusions or compulsive, repetitive behavior like hand-wringing or tissue shredding.

Late-Stage Alzheimer's (severe)#

At this stage, individuals may:#

  • Require around-the-clock assistance with daily personal care.
  • Lose awareness of recent experiences as well as of their surroundings.
  • Experience changes in physical abilities, including walking, sitting and, eventually, swallowing.
  • Have difficulty communicating.
  • Become vulnerable to infections, especially pneumonia.

Related Pages#

References/Websites#