The Stages of Alzheimers Disease

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, degenerative disorder that attacks the brain's nerve cells, or neurons, resulting in loss of memory, thinking and language skills, and behavioral changes.

These neurons, which produce the brain chemical, or neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, break connections with other nerve cells and ultimately die. For example, short-term memory fails when Alzheimer's disease first destroys nerve cells in the hippocampus, and language skills and judgment decline when neurons die in the cerebral cortex.

Early (Mild) Stage of Alzheimers Disease
-Forget words or misplace objects
-Forget something they just read
-Ask the same question over and over
-Have increasing trouble making plans or organizing
-Not remember names when meeting new people

Middle (Moderate) Stage of Alzheimer's Disease
-Increased memory loss and confusion
-Problems recognizing family and friends
-Continuously repeating stories, favorite wants
(e.g., foods, places, songs, etc.), or motions
-Decreased ability to perform complex tasks
(e.g., planning dinner) or handle personal finances
(e.g., paying bills)
-Lack of concern for hygiene and appearance
-Requiring assistance in choosing proper clothing
to wear for day, season, or occasion

Late (Severe) Stage of Alzheimer's Disease
-Recognize faces but forget names
-Mistake a person for someone else
-Delusions—such as thinking he/she needs to go to work — may set in,
even though he/she no longer has a job
-There is a strong need for holding something close for tactile stimulation, nurturing, companionship and comfort
-Basic abilities such as eating, walking, and sitting up fade during this period; the individual may no longer recognize when he is thirsty or hungry and will need help with all basic activities of daily living.

Contact APG Clinical Research today to see if you can qualify for one of our clinical studies involving Alzheimer's.

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