Teri Sellers
The PebbleCreek Alzheimer’s Support Group is available to all residents who have a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or any related dementia.
I am often asked about the stages of Alzheimer’s. Having heard so many different answers to this question, I googled it! The answers range from three to seven stages.
The symptoms of Alzheimer’s worsen over time, although the rate at which the disease progresses varies. On average, a person with Alzheimer’s lives four to eight years after diagnosis but can live as long as 20 years.
The National Institute on Aging and the Alzheimer’s Association use three stages.
1. Early/Mild: A person may function independently, may still be driving, working, and taking part in social activities, but they may feel like they are having memory lapses, such as forgetting familiar words or the location of everyday objects. Symptoms may not be widely apparent.
Common difficulties include: coming up with the right word or name, difficulty performing tasks in social or work settings, experiencing increased trouble with planning or organizing.
2. Middle/Moderate: This is typically the longest stage, and the person will require a greater level of care. Symptoms are more pronounced, the person may confuse words, get frustrated or angry, and act in unexpected ways, such as refusing to bathe. It is also difficult for the person to express thoughts and perform routine tasks without assistance.
Common difficulties include: increased forgetfulness, feeling moody or withdrawn, requiring help with clothing and personal hygiene, trouble with controlling bladder and bowels, changes in sleep patterns, increased tendency to wander or become lost, demonstrating personality and behavioral changes, including suspiciousness and delusions.
3. Late/Severe: In this stage, the person loses the ability to respond to their environment, to carry on a conversation, and, eventually, to control movement. As memory and cognitive skills continue to worsen, they may need extensive care.
At this stage they may: require round-the-clock assistance with personal care, lose awareness of recent experiences as well as of their surroundings, experience changes in physical abilities (including walking, sitting, and eventually swallowing), have difficulty communicating and may not be able to initiate engagement, become vulnerable to infections (especially pneumonia).
Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s is challenging, no matter how many stages you track. The impact of caregiving on a caregiver is mental and emotional, as well as physical. Higher stress levels, anxiety, and depression are common. That is why participating in a support group is important.
Our group has resumed our monthly social breakfast, and now we are happy to announce that we are also resuming our support group meetings. Information on the meeting dates and times is shared with the group via our dedicated email.
You are not alone. Please feel free to call me, Teri Sellers, at 602-793-0299. I will share helpful resources and information with you and add you to our email list. Your information is always safe and confidential, and the benefits are priceless.