The Stages of Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease generally progresses through three stages: mild, moderate and severe. People experience the three stages at different rates, and there can be an overlap in symptoms from one stage to another.
Stage 1: Mild Alzheimer’s Disease
The mild stage of Alzheimer’s Disease can last from 2 to 4 years or longer. Those in this phase of the disease may:
- Say the same thing over and over
- Lose interest in things they once enjoyed
- Have trouble finding names for common items
- Lose things more often than normal
- Seem to experience personality changes
- Have difficulty grasping complex ideas
People with mild Alzheimer’s Disease are usually alert, sociable, and enjoy life, but their forgetfulness interferes with daily living and may frustrate them. This frustration may lead them to feel overly emotional, irritable or apathetic.
Stage 2: Moderate Alzheimer’s Disease
The moderate stage of Alzheimer’s Disease is often the longest, lasting from 2 to 10 years. In this stage, a person may:
- Get lost easily, even in places they know well
- Become more confused about recent events
- Need assistance or supervision with tasks such as dressing or washing
- Argue more than usual
- Believe things are real when they are not
- Experience restlessness and agitation
- Have difficulty sleeping and may wander
People with moderate Alzheimer’s Disease often require close supervision and support services such as home care may become necessary.
Stage 3: Severe Alzheimer’s Disease
The severe stage can last from 1 to 3 years or longer. People with severe Alzheimer’s Disease cannot do things on their own anymore. They may not be able to:
- Use or understand words
- Recognise family members
- Care for themselves
- Move around independently
People with severe Alzheimer’s disease usually require constant care.