ALZHEIMERS STAGESAlzheimers page 2Alzheimers Stages, according to the Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association, Inc., there are a total of Seven stages. Stage 1: No decline in function is yet noted. This group includes individuals who may carry predictive gene mutations but have no symptoms, or those who will be affected by other unknown mechanisms. Stage 2: Normal function in general, although the person is aware of a subtle cognitive decline. If you realize you are having these problems this is the best time to start treatment. Stage 3: Early Alzheimer disease. Persons experience difficulty in performing complex tasks that require cognitive skills. Stage 4: Mild Alzheimer disease. Persons require assistance with common tasks such as paying bills and balancing a checkbook. Stage 5: Moderate Alzheimer disease. Persons require assistance in making personal everyday decisions such as choosing appropriate clothing for the weather or ordering from a menu. Patient is also losing their inhibitions and will do and say things that they never would have before. This can be shocking if you are not aware of this. It is not unusual for them to strip naked and go outside or want to go visit someone like this. Stage 6: Moderately severe Alzheimer disease. Persons require assistance dressing, bathing, and using the toilet. Urinary and bowel incontinence may be present. Stage 7: Severe Alzheimer disease. The vocabulary shrinks to only a few words; then little or no verbal communication is heard. The ability to walk is lost, followed by an inability to maintain a sitting posture in a chair. Eventually, the person experiences profound lack of purposeful muscle control, is totally dependent for care, and cannot smile or hold up his or her head. Alzheimers stages are fairly marked and it is usually easy to tell the patient has progressed to the next stage. How you handle each Alzheimer stage will make a difference in the patients ability to function a little better. By stage three start using a calendar, every morning after they have eaten, go to the calendar and read the day and date. Or have them read it. The calendar should also have their schedule on it along with any special activities. Keep them interested in activities as much as possible. Later maybe after lunch plan the next days activities. Try to do this when they are not tired, they will be more willing to participate. This is also a good time to start alternative types of communication and memory joggers such as using a tape recorder to recall important information, photo albums to help them remember different occasions and people. Take photos often to help them remember what they have been doing. This also helps when they have visitors they can discuss the photos with them. Alzheimers stages can progress very slowly for some and others seem to progress to stage 5 quickly and then not progress further for a long time. Others will go through the 7 Alzheimers stages very rapidly. This to me is the hardest to cope with. You feel as if you are being cheated out of quality time with them. Be patient with them through these Alzheimers Stages, it will not be easy when you've been asked the same question 30 or 40 times in an hour or two. You will need plenty of support from others while coping with this illness. Line up friends, family and neighbors to give you breaks at times. Some days you'll just need to walk around the block once by yourself and other times you will need to get away for a longer time period. Let the neighbors know if wondering begins so they will know to notify you if patient is seen walking alone. There is a new treatment for Alzheimers that is said to have almost immediate results after first treatment. The treatments are given weekly and have had amazing results. Click INR link for treatment information.
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