Early StageThe early stage of Alzheimer's is classified as Mild Alzheimer's disease. While in this stage, an affected person still may have the ability to function independently, they are still being affected by the symptoms of the disease. They might have small memory lapses, have difficulties with words and names, losing short term memories, or losing an object they just were in possession of. Friends, family, and most people who talk to the affected person notice the difficulties that they are having and can detect memory problems. During this stage, the disease has just begun to affect the brain and begin the gradually deterioration. (Alzheimer's Association)
Middle StageThis stage is classified as Moderate Alzheimer's Disease and is typically the longest stage. It is during this stage that most of the brain deterioration occurs and the severity of the symptoms increases as time passes. The person with the disease confuses many words, is becoming frequently frustrated or angry, acting irrational, and losing most of their memory. They forget meaningful memories in their own lives, need help choosing their own clothes, are confused about the date and where they are, and they are at high risk for getting lost and wandering. (Alzheimer's Association)
Late StageThe third and final stage of Alzheimer's is classified as Severe Alzheimer's Disease. During this stage, the person affected loses all of their ability to interact with their environment. They are unable to carry on a conversation and control their own movement. The affected person may still be able to mumble words or phrases but they are unable to respond to stimuli effectively. It is in this stage that individuals need full time assistance with every activity. They lose most, if not all, of their awareness to their surroundings. They also become vulnerable to infections of the body, especially pneumonia. (Alzheimer's Association)
|
Representation of areas of the brain affected by Alzheimer's as the disease progresses
Scan of a brain as it deteriorates as Alzheimer's progresses
This video shows the life of Pam, a woman with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, and Ed, her husband and caregiver. The video focuses on the marriage and love between the husband and wife. Ed discusses the changes he’s seen in his wife and also affirms why he chooses to stay by her side. (New York Times Op-Doc)
|