Alzheimer’s disease has several stages and its symptoms 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 things, 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:
Alzheimer’s disease without cognitive impairment: There are no apparent cognitive symptoms, but there may be biological changes in the brain.
Early Alzheimer’s disease with mild cognitive impairment (MCI): Memory loss may occur, but independent living (the ability to do household chores, drive, keep up with personal hygiene) is still possible. Help may be needed with complicated tasks such as medication management and finances.
Early Alzheimer’s disease with mild dementia: Changes in cognitive function and behavior begin to impact daily life. Assistance may be required with functional 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 things more often.
When Alzheimer’s disease reaches a moderate stage, damage to neurons in the brain makes it difficult to communicate thoughts and feelings and perform everyday tasks without help.
Other symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease in its moderate stages could include:
- Forgetting events or personal information such as address or phone number
- Personality changes such as distrust or delusions
- Compulsive, repetitive behaviors such as shredding paper or wringing your hands
- Need help choosing what to wear for an event or season?
- Bladder and bowel control problems
- Changes in sleep patterns, e.g. B. Sleeping during the day and restlessness at night
- wander or get lost
In later stages of Alzheimer’s disease, the psychological and physical symptoms progress 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 will no longer be able to care for themselves and will require 24-hour care.