3 Stages

Early Stages

A person in this stage will usually be aware of the diagnosis and will be able to participate in decisions affecting future care. Symptoms can include mild forgetfulness and communication difficulties, such as finding the right word and following a conversation. Some people stay involved in activities while others become passive or withdrawn. The individual may also be frustrated by changing abilities and may become depressed or anxious. It is important to monitor the emotional well-being of the person.

Middle Stages

This stage brings a further decline in the person's mental and physical abilities. Memory will continue to deteriorate as the person forgets personal history and no longer recognizes family and friends. Increased confusion and disorientation to time and place will result in requiring assistance in many daily tasks, such as dressing, bathing, and using the toilet.

In this stage, some people become restless and pace or wander. Registering the person with the Alzheimer Wandering Registry will provide peace of mind should he or she become lost.

In response to the loss of abilities, a person may react in a number of ways. For example, he or she may become less involved in activities or repeat the same action or word over and over again. It can be helpful to understand more about the disease and develop strategies to deal with these situations. Your local Alzheimer Society can provide education, resources and support.

Late Stages

In this last stage, the person becomes unable to remember, communicate or look after oneself. Care is required 24 hours a day. Eventually, the person will become bed-ridden, have difficulty eating or swallowing, and lose control of bodily functions. This stage eventually ends with the person's death, often from secondary complications such as pneumonia.