Alzheimer’s disease is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States and is also the primary cause of dementia in the elderly. Learn how to identify the signs of dementia at every stage.

Many people associate aging with forgetfulness, which happens due to changes in the aging brain. Alzheimer’s disease is the leading cause of dementia in the elderly. While the early stages of Alzheimer’s present with memory lapses and a few mild symptoms, later stages can be completely incapacitating and even cause death.

What is Alzheimer’s disease?

Alzheimer’s disease refers to the progressive loss of brain function that occurs when brain cells begin to die and the brain atrophies. It is a chronic condition that primarily affects the elderly, and symptoms worsen over time, starting with mild memory lapses and eventually progressing to severe debilitating symptoms and even death.

Alzheimer’s statistics

Alzheimer’s affects nearly 6.5 million adults (above 65 years) in the U.S. This is about 1 in every 9 persons aged above 65 years.

Alzheimer’s vs. dementia

Alzheimer’s and dementia are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same. Dementia is a broad term used to refer to a group of disorders associated with progressive decline in cognitive function. Alzheimer’s, on the other hand, refers to a specific neurological condition – though it is a type of dementia.

Is Alzheimer’s potentially fatal?

Advanced Alzheimer’s is associated with severe loss of brain function, which can cause complications that may result in death. Aspiration pneumonia, which occurs due to difficulty swallowing, is a common cause of death for Alzheimer’s patients.

7 primary stages of Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s is a chronic progressive condition that worsens over the years. The initial stages are often characterized by mild symptoms of memory impairment that are likely to be noticed by those close to the patient. The symptoms of Alzheimer’s become worse and even incapacitating as the disease progresses. The symptoms can vary from patient to patient but are likely to progress through the following seven stages.

Brain changes with no visible symptoms

Alzheimer’s begins when brain cells begin to die, and the brain starts to atrophy. There are no visible signs at this point, but a brain CT may show changes in the brain. This is also called the preclinical stage.

Memory lapses

This stage is characterized by forgetfulness which can be easily written off as a “normal sign of aging.” A patient may forget where they parked their car, where they left their keys, the names of loved ones, and so forth. The patient is, however, able to carry out their tasks without much difficulty.

Severe memory lapses

Memory lapses become more serious, and this is when most people acknowledge they could be having a serious problem. The patient may forget basic tasks such as eating and showering. They may begin getting lost and not being able to trace their step back home or their workplace, and hence they may need close monitoring. The patient’s distant memory is likely intact, but they may struggle with remembering recent events, such as where they’ve just come from or what they’ve just read.

Loss of identity and personality changes

This stage is very characteristic of Alzheimer’s. By this stage, most patients already have a diagnosis. The patient forgets who they are – their career, accomplishments, passions, and other important factors that define their identity. They may also forget those close to them, such as family members, which can be devastating for all involved. All that is going on may make the patient restless and depressed. The patient is likely to develop mood disorders and find it difficult to adjust to social settings. This stage can last for several years.

Loss of independence and emotional changes

At this stage, the patient becomes dependent on others to perform activities of daily living. They may find it difficult to do anything for themselves, and their social skills are likely to be quite low. They’re unable to sustain a conversation because of their memory lapses, and they cannot carry out a task from beginning to end. They are also likely to experience emotional and psychological symptoms such as anxiety, hallucinations, and paranoia. It is advisable to have someone taking care of the patient at all times during this stage.

Severe symptoms

All the symptoms worsen progressively, and the patient suffers from severe memory loss, loss of communication and social skills, and severe emotional and psychological symptoms. For example, it may be difficult for the patient to explain when they’re experiencing pain or when they need to visit the restroom. They are also likely to become difficult to care for because of their unstable emotional and mental state.

Severe mental and physical impairment

This is the final stage of Alzheimer’s and is associated with severe physical and mental impairment. The patient is likely to be bedridden and incapable of performing any task independently. They will need round-the-clock care.

Watching your loved one progress through the stages of Alzheimer’s can be devastating. Understanding what to expect at each stage can help you plan for their care. While Alzheimer’s is not curable, certain medications can relieve symptoms and increase the patient’s comfort.

How is Alzheimer’s treated?

Alzheimer’s treatment is focused on symptom management. This involves a combination of therapies, including pharmacological and cognitive behavioral therapies, as well as social and reminiscence therapy using photos or music that create feelings of nostalgia.

Common medications prescribed for Alzheimer’s include the following:

• Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors, which prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine
• Antipsychotics to manage aggression
• Antidepressants to manage mood disorders and depression

Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors are the common pharmacological drugs that are used to manage symptoms of dementia. These medications can be expensive, especially for patients who do not have Medicare and have no alternative insurance to cover the cost of prescription meds.

Save up to 80% on Alzheimer’s medication

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