If you are caring for your elderly loved one, you might be concerned that they will have Alzheimer’s disease. As a family caregiver, this is certainly something that you should watch out for. There are different stages of this disease that your elderly loved one will go through if they have Alzheimer’s disease. Learning more about these stages can help you to be more prepared if your loved one does get this disease or if they have it already.

First Stage

During the first stage of Alzheimer’s disease, your elderly loved one isn’t likely to show any signs or symptoms. However, if they have a brain scan done it will show the disease is present. Since there aren’t symptoms at this stage, most people are not diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease until the disease progresses.

Second Stage

During the second stage of Alzheimer’s disease, your elderly loved one is likely to have subtle changes. Sometimes these symptoms are not noticeable and other times, they are barely noticeable. Your elderly loved one might have minor confusion or forgetfulness. These symptoms might be passed off as aging-related.

Third Stage

Your elderly loved one might have dome detectable symptoms at this stage. You might notice that your elderly loved one has differences in the way that they reason or think. They might not be as quick to react as they used to be. Your loved one might experience some short-term memory loss. They might not be able to remember someone’s name.

Fourth Stage

During the fourth stage of Alzheimer’s disease, the symptoms will be noticeable and obvious. Your elderly loved one will experience changes in their behavior and the way that they think. During stage four, it is highly likely that your elderly loved one will need daily assistance from caregivers. Their forgetfulness, confusion, and memory loss will be much more profound during stage four than it was in the earlier stages. They might forget who certain people in their life are, the date, memories from their life, and much more.

Fifth Stage

During the fifth stage of this disease, your elderly loved one will have even more confusion. Their memory loss is going to become more severe. Your loved one might forget how to cook, get dressed, and forget how to do other daily tasks, as well.

Sixth Stage

In this stage, your elderly loved one is going to have more severe symptoms. They might need help going to the bathroom. They may forget who they are and who everyone in their life is, as well. During the sixth stage, your elderly loved one is likely to need around-the-clock care from caregivers.

Seventh Stage

In this stage of Alzheimer’s disease, your elderly loved one is likely to have a full decline in their cognitive functions. They might not be able to interact with you or others in their life at all. They may not be able to feed themselves or provide any care for themselves.

These are the stages of Alzheimer’s disease. If your elderly loved one does get Alzheimer’s, it is important they get the care they need during every stage. It might be best to hire caregivers early on for your loved one.

Sources
https://www.cdc.gov/aging/aginginfo/alzheimers.htm

If you or an aging loved one is considering caregivers in Roswell, GA, please contact the caring staff at Medi-Cure Home Care. Call today: (770) 755-1394.