Navigating Alzheimer’s is difficult – both for the person affected and the loved ones supporting them. That’s why The Alzheimer’s Association has compiled a guide that outlines each stage of the disease – making note of risks to look out for and steps that should be taken accordingly.
Early-stage Alzheimer’s.
The individual is still largely independent – cooking their own meals, driving to their own appointments, and making their own plans – while early warning signs become increasingly frequent in their day-to-day life. These signs can include:
- Misplacing personal items.
- Difficulty performing tasks.
- Forgetting names, words, or events.
Click here to read our blog article on steps you can take to maintain an active, healthy lifestyle.
Middle-stage Alzheimer’s.
Dementia symptoms are becoming more prevalent in everyday life. Words become confused as mundane tasks become inconvenient – or impossible – without caregiver support. This stage is typically the longest – often progressing over several years.
Middle-stage symptoms can include:
- Forgetting personal details or major events.
- Erratic mood changes or difficulty expressing oneself.
- Frequently becoming lost or wandering aimlessly.
- Needing help with activities of daily living (ADL’s) such as bathing and getting dressed
At this stage, the individual is at increased risk for fall or injury. Click here to view a home safety checklist to ensure they are living in safe, secure environment.
Late-stage Alzheimer’s .
The severity of the symptoms now require round-the-clock care. The individual has difficulty holding conversations, controlling movement, and interacting with the world around them. Symptoms may include:
- Difficulty with basic communication.
- A vulnerability to infections and/or pneumonia.
- General loss of awareness.
- A further decline in physical abilities, including walking, sitting, and swallowing.
In the final stage of Alzheimer’s, the individual will need 24/7 caregiver support to help preserve their dignity and quality of life. Click here to read The Alzheimer’s Association’s guide on late-stage caregiving.
Of course, everyone’s experience is unique – and just because you’re occasionally forgetful doesn’t necessarily mean you’re at risk. If you or a loved one are concerned about memory loss, talk to your doctor about receiving an evaluation.
At Trilogy, we treat our Memory Care residents with the same love and dignity that we would expect for our own loved ones. That means being by their side to flip through their favorite scrapbook and then filling up the blank pages with pictures of their new best friends. To learn more about the Alzheimer’s and dementia support we offer, visit our Memory Care page located here.