The Stages of Alzheimer’s and the Caregiver’s Role

When a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, it’s only natural to worry about what comes next. While Alzheimer’s will progress differently for each person, scientists and clinicians have attempted to stage the disease as a way that helps people living with it and their families understand what is happening, as well as to plan for the future. The Alzheimer’s Association classifies the progression of this degenerative brain condition into three stages: early, middle, and late. Here’s a closer look at what those mean—and how caregivers can help.

Early Stage Alzheimer’s:

Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia, which is marked by a gradual loss of memory and other mental skills. Indeed, memory loss (due to changes in the brain brought on by the deposit of certain proteins) is the earliest symptom of the disease, according to the Mayo Clinic. The National Institute on Aging (NIA) notes that common manifestations of early stage, or mild, Alzheimer’s disease might include: forgetting recent information, losing track of dates, misplacing items, and taking longer to complete daily tasks.

Non-Memory Issues to Also Expect: Per the NIA, the early stage of Alzheimer’s also impacts aspects of cognition that are not tied to memory loss. Those other issues to watch for might range from your loved one having difficulty finding the right word or displaying impaired judgment, to losing their sense of motivation, or even wandering and getting lost. Some people with the disease will also…

Continue reading on HealthCentral for more guidance on this view of staging Alzheimer’s disease:

Helpful Tools:

Wetness indicator and alert to help manage incontinence with dignity. SenecaSense Home: Discreet Support That Restores Comfort and Confidence

Stay connected with Memoryboard: Designed by caregivers. Memoryboard helps families share reminders, messages, updates, and photos on an easy-to-use screen designed for people with dementia. Peace of mind for families, independence for loved ones.

 Leslie Kernisan, MD, MPH, has opened up support! View two free caregiving webinars that can help you help your older parents (and yourself).

Discover the Difference. EGOSAN: The premium incontinence brand caregivers love: They save work!   Now Available on Amazon.

Minding Our Elders: Caregivers Share Their Personal Stories: “…This book is for all of us; let it help you cope! Thank you to the author and everyone she spoke with!” …Dolores