There are different stages of Alzheimer’s disease and the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease progress slowly over many years.
The most common symptom of early Alzheimer’s disease is mild memory loss that interferes with everyday life, such as: B. by misplacing objects, forgetting names and asking the same questions repeatedly. Behavioral changes such as not wanting to see friends or family or withdrawing from social events are also symptoms of early Alzheimer’s disease.
The early stages of Alzheimer’s disease include:
Cognitively unimpaired Alzheimer’s disease: No noticeable cognitive symptoms, but biological changes in the brain may be present.
Early Alzheimer’s disease with mild cognitive impairment (MCI): Memory loss may be noticeable, but independent living (ability to do household chores, drive, take care of personal hygiene) is still possible. Help may be needed with complicated tasks such as managing medications and finances.
Early stage Alzheimer’s with mild dementia: Changes in cognitive function and behavior gradually affect everyday life. Assistance may be required for activities of daily living. Common symptoms of early-stage Alzheimer’s disease with mild dementia include difficulty finding the right words, frequent memory lapses, and misplacing or losing objects more often.
When Alzheimer’s disease reaches a moderate stage, damage to nerve cells in the brain makes it difficult to communicate thoughts and feelings and carry out everyday activities without help.
Other symptoms of moderate Alzheimer’s disease may include:
- Forgetting events or personal information such as address or phone number
- Personality changes such as distrust or delusions
- Compulsive, repetitive behaviors such as tearing tissues or wringing hands
- Need help dressing correctly for an event or season?
- Bladder and bowel control problems
- Changes in sleep patterns, such as: B. Sleeping during the day and restlessness at night
- Wandering or getting lost
In the later stages of Alzheimer’s disease, mental and physical symptoms increase and become more severe. During this time, functions such as communication, walking, eating, and swallowing may become difficult or impossible. Over time, people with late-stage Alzheimer’s can no longer care for themselves and require 24-hour care.
