Alzheimer's disease is a form of dementia, which is a term used to describe a breakdown in a person's normal brain functions. Although the symptoms of both can be similar, a person who exhibits signs of dementia may not necessarily develop Alzheimer's disease. There are specific guidelines that are used by medical professionals to determine whether or not a person may be showing signs of Alzheimer's disease. The number of stages differs in the various sets of guidelines that have been developed, but they all indicate similar symptoms to look for.
Initial Stages
Alzheimer's disease can be difficult to detect in its very earliest stages. This is because of the fact that many people, especially those over the age of 55, may experience an occasional lapse of memory, such as forgetting a phone number or a person's name. It is when these lapses begin to occur more frequently that the possibility of Alzheimer's disease arises. Forgetting words or phrases or misplacing objects like eyeglasses or car keys can be the first signs of the onset of Alzheimer's disease, especially when it becomes noticeable to family members or others who are familiar with that person's normal habits.
Moderate Stages
More advanced stages of moderate Alzheimer's disease will be detected in a clinical interview. According to the Alzheimer's Association the ability to perform mathematical computations or planning tasks such as menu and household budget planning may be noticed. The ability to recall recent events or facets of personal history may also be indications of the onset of this disease. The person may also begin to seem withdrawn or subdued, especially in social or mentally challenging situations. These indications may be signs of moderate Alzheimer's disease.
More Severe Stages
According to the National Library of Medicine increased inability to remember personal information like a home address and phone number or the high school or college that they graduated from will be signs of a more severe case of Alzheimer's. Being confused about where they are or why they are there can be symptoms of the disease, as well as having difficulty in everyday functions like choosing appropriate clothing or problems in the bathroom including forgetting to flush or increased incontinence. Changes in behavior may begin to appear, such as radical mood swings, paranoia, hallucinations, or compulsive actions like hand-wringing or tearing paper.
Very Severe Stages
Ordinary functions will become severely impaired in the most advanced stages of Alzheimer's. The ability to speak coherently or even speak at all will decrease significantly. The person may become unable to feed or dress themselves and will need help going to the bathroom. They will begin to need assistance sitting up and walking as their overall ability to control motor functions deteriorates. This will seriously inhibit their ability to make facial expressions, to speak, to react to physical stimuli of any kind, or even to swallow.
Additional Facts
A person who becomes afflicted by Alzheimer's disease can survive anywhere from 2 years to 20 years. This will depend on their original physical and mental health as well as any genetic tendencies toward this disease. Early detection may help lessen the effects of Alzheimer's disease, yet there is currently no known cure. Medical caregivers recommend routine check-ups for any person who has a family history of the disease or who is beginning to show symptoms of the early stages.
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