The Stages Of Alzheimer's Disease And The Need For Care

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive illness that impacts many stages of life. If you are arranging care for a loved one with this condition, it is helpful to know the stages of the disease so that you can plan accordingly.

These are the stages of the condition and what you need to know to make good decisions for your loved one's care.

Stage One & Two

The first stage of Alzheimer's disease is pre-illness. There are some symptoms that may begin to emerge in the second stage, but your loved one may not have a diagnosis at this time. For example, you may notice some forgetfulness. You may provide care for your loved one, but they may still take care of themselves.

Stage Three

Mild signs begin to emerge during this stage, so you may notice increased memory loss. You and others will begin to notice these signs regularly occurring, and it may begin to cause concern. Still, your loved one may still be very capable of caring for themselves in most ways.

Stage Four & Five

During stage four, the symptoms of Alzheimer's become more moderate. For example, your loved one's personality may begin to shift. You may also focus on getting treatment from a medical professional at this stage.

At stage five, the symptoms become more serious. You may notice your loved one forgetting things more often. This means that your loved one might need help with much more than the basics of remembering where they have put things. The disease gets more serious, and having professional Alzheimer's care can be helpful.

Stage Six

The condition becomes much more serious at this time. It is during this stage that personal care becomes more important. You may have a team who helps your loved one with some of the basics of life, including bathing and eating. You might consider in-home care or an assisted living facility at this time, especially if you have other responsibilities, like children or employment.

Stage Seven

This is the final stage of the disease, and your loved one will require a lot of serious care. For example, they may need help communicating, eating, dressing, and performing other tasks that most people consider simple. This can be extremely difficult to go through, and it is important to have professional assistance during this stage.

Contact an Alzheimer's Care Professional

Professional care can provide exactly what your loved one needs. These professionals are skilled in caring for people in your loved one's position, and they can provide the best possible care for your loved one based on their stage of the disease.