If you or someone you know has Alzheimer’s disease, you understand the extent to which this disease affects a person’s life. It impacts memory, cognitive skills, behavior, and the ability to carry out daily tasks – all integral to everyday activities.
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder with seven stages, meaning symptoms gradually increase over time. Understanding the stages of progression and knowing the signs of each stage can help residents and families manage the disease and determine the right course of action.
Fox Trail Memory Care Living provides comprehensive Alzheimer’s disease care and other types of memory care in our communities in north and central New Jersey. Here, we discuss the seven stages of Alzheimer’s disease and explain how memory care in a safe and comfortable community setting can benefit residents and their families.
Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder and is the most common type of dementia. dementia is the general term for a group of diseases that lead to a decline in brain function. Research indicates that Alzheimer’s accounts for 60% of dementia cases.
Alzheimer’s disease is common among older adults. It’s estimated that nearly 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s. Reports show that one in 10 people older than 65 and nearly a third of people older than 85 have the condition.
The progressive disease affects parts of the brain that control thought, memory, and language. Symptoms result from damage to certain parts of the brain and can include:
- Memory loss, or forgetting recently retained information
- Confusing dates or current location
- Mood and personality changes
- Poor judgement
- Trouble speaking and communicating
- Difficulty in problem-solving
- Taking longer to complete routine activities
- Decreased energy
- Withdrawal
Although the exact cause of Alzheimer’s remains unclear, medical researchers think abnormal clumps and bundles of fibers in the brain, plus a loss of connection between the brain cells, might lead to this cognitive condition.
While age is the greatest known risk factor for Alzheimer’s, it’s not a normal part of aging. Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. However, supportive memory care can enhance a resident’s quality of life.
The Seven Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease
Typically, Alzheimer’s disease is condensed into three phases: early, moderate, and late. However, further staging includes seven distinct phases, categorized by symptoms and disease progression. They include:
Stage 1: No Impairment
In the earliest stage of Alzheimer’s, a person demonstrates no noticeable symptoms. They still function independently with no signs of memory loss or cognitive decline. With no indication of cognitive decline, it’s often challenging to detect Alzheimer’s disease in this stage.
Stage 2: Very Mild Cognitive Decline
Individuals in this stage of Alzheimer’s disease begin showing signs of subtle memory lapses. This can include forgetting names, misplacing keys, or difficulty recalling recent events. In many cases, symptoms in the second stage go unchecked. They might be seen as a normal part of the aging process. Family members who notice consistent memory lapses should monitor their loved one’s behavior and track frequency.
Stage 3: Mild Cognitive Decline
At this stage, the disease becomes more prominent and begins impacting daily life. While signs are much more noticeable in this stage, a person may still be able to function independently.
Symptoms of Alzheimer’s in the third stage include:
- Difficulty completing familiar tasks
- Struggling to find the right words during conversations
- Struggling to remember names of new acquaintances
- Losing or misplacing items
When these symptoms occur frequently, family members may seek evaluation from a trusted, compassionate medical professional.
Stage 4: Moderate Cognitive Decline
Stage four of Alzheimer’s disease marks a significant shift from early to moderate. At this point, challenges with communication and cognitive function may prohibit loved ones from engaging in social outings. Basic tasks become increasingly more challenging during this stage, so a supportive environment is crucial.
Stage 5: Moderately Severe Cognitive Decline
At stage five, daily activities are often no longer safe for a person to manage alone. Personal care tasks, such as dressing and grooming, become a struggle and require assistance. Additionally, memory gaps become the norm and extend to forgetting personal details, such as address or phone number. Family members should start discussing long-term care options at this point.
Stage 6: Severe Cognitive Decline
Cognitive function declines significantly as the disease progresses to the sixth stage. Loved ones tend to struggle to recognize familiar faces, experience changes in personality, and exhibit behavioral issues that are out of character. At this stage, the person requires constant care and emotional support to maintain fulfilling aging.
Stage 7: Very Severe Cognitive Decline
The final stage of Alzheimer’s disease is the most severe and usually results in a total loss of cognitive function and the ability to communicate. Basic motor skills decline, and the person is typically bedridden. At this point, around-the-clock care is a necessity, and family members shift their focus to preserving their loved one’s dignity and comfort, and cherishing moments of connection.
Alzheimer’s Care at Fox Trail Memory Care Living
Even in its mildest stages, Alzheimer’s disease can be incredibly challenging to navigate. While many families prefer their loved ones to age in place, the strain on both themselves and their loved ones often becomes overwhelming without support.
Memory care offers a safe environment and enriching activities to help loved ones live independently and receive the care they need. Fox Trail Memory Care Living assists residents living with Alzheimer’s through comprehensive services from a professionally trained and compassionate team.
We help residents achieve a fulfilling life in a community setting designed especially for those with cognitive conditions. Our communities offer the SPARK enrichment program, tailored for residents at all stages of Alzheimer’s disease.
Our caring team will conduct an initial assessment to determine a resident’s current health and develop a personalized care plan to meet their unique needs. This assessment also serves as a baseline to monitor residents’ health so our team can act swiftly as changes occur.
Tour Our Communities in North and Central New Jersey
Each stage of Alzheimer’s disease presents its own set of challenges, which can be difficult for residents and their families to navigate. Fox Trail Memory Care Living provides Alzheimer’s care in our living communities in northern and central New Jersey. Our communities give residents the personalized and compassionate care they need in a safe and peaceful environment. Contact us today to schedule a tour to view our private living arrangements, or to learn why so many families trust us with their loved ones.