Before diving into the stages of Alzheimer's type dementia, it's important to understand what these terms mean. Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disorder that affects memory, thinking skills, and the ability to carry out simple tasks. It's the most common cause of dementia, a general term for the loss of memory and other cognitive abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life.
Dementia is not a single disease; it's an overall term that describes a group of symptoms associated with a decline in memory or other thinking skills severe enough to reduce a person's ability to perform everyday activities. Alzheimer's disease accounts for 60 to 80 percent of cases. It's important to remember that while Alzheimer's is a form of dementia, not all dementia is Alzheimer's. There are many different types and causes of dementia, including vascular dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies, and frontotemporal dementia.
In the early stage of Alzheimer's, a person may function independently. He or she may still drive, work and be part of social activities. Despite this, the person may feel as if he or she is having memory lapses, such as forgetting familiar words or the location of everyday objects. Friends, family or co-workers begin to notice difficulties. During a detailed medical interview, doctors may be able to detect problems in memory or concentration.
Typical difficulties might include coming up with the right word or name, trouble remembering names when introduced to new people, having greater difficulty performing tasks in social or work settings, forgetting material that one has just read, or losing or misplacing a valuable object. In this stage, a person with Alzheimer's disease might start to remove themselves from hobbies, social activities, work projects, or sports that they previously loved, because they find the changes they are experiencing to be frustrating or embarrassing.
The middle stage of Alzheimer's is typically the longest and can last for many years. As the disease progresses, the person with Alzheimer's will require a greater level of care. You may notice the person with Alzheimer's confusing words, getting frustrated or angry, or acting in unexpected ways, such as refusing to bathe. Damage to nerve cells in the brain can make it difficult to express thoughts and perform routine tasks.
At this point, symptoms will be noticeable to others and may include forgetting events or personal history, feeling moody or withdrawn, being unable to recall their own address or telephone number, or the high school or college from which they graduated. Confusion about where they are or what day it is also common, and they might need help choosing proper clothing for the season or the occasion. They might also have trouble controlling their bladder, or bowel movements. Changes in sleep patterns, such as sleeping during the day and becoming restless at night, can also occur.
In the final stage of this disease, dementia symptoms are severe. Individuals lose the ability to respond to their environment, to carry on a conversation and, eventually, to control movement. They may still say words or phrases, but communicating pain becomes difficult. As memory and cognitive skills continue to worsen, significant personality changes may take place and individuals need extensive help with daily activities.
At this stage, individuals may need help with much of their daily personal care, including eating or using the toilet. They may also lose the ability to smile, to sit without support and to hold their head up. Reflexes become abnormal and muscles grow rigid. Swallowing impaired. Because individuals at this stage usually cannot communicate about their pain, it's important to be aware of signs that they may be experiencing discomfort and to get medical help when needed.
Watching a loved one progress through these stages can be a heartbreaking experience. It's important to remember that you're not alone. There are resources available to help both you and your loved one. Support groups can provide a place to connect with others facing similar challenges. Professional caregivers can also provide respite care to give you a break from the daily routine of caregiving.
Remember, it's important to take care of yourself, too. Make sure you're eating healthy, getting physical activity and plenty of rest, and taking time each day to relax and do things you enjoy. You're doing a tough job, and you should take steps to prevent caregiver burnout. It's not selfish to take care of yourself - it's necessary for you to be able to care for your loved one.
As a pharmaceutical expert, my passion lies in researching and writing about medication and diseases. I've dedicated my career to understanding the intricacies of drug development and treatment options for various illnesses. My goal is to educate others about the fascinating world of pharmaceuticals and the impact they have on our lives. I enjoy delving deep into the latest advancements and sharing my knowledge with those who seek to learn more about this ever-evolving field. With a strong background in both science and writing, I am driven to make complex topics accessible to a broad audience.
View all posts by: Edison Blakemore
In a recent blog post, I discussed the link between high eye pressure and glaucoma, a potentially blinding eye disease. I learned that high eye pressure, also known as ocular hypertension, can damage the optic nerve and lead to glaucoma. It's important to have regular eye exams to detect any changes in eye pressure early on. While not everyone with high eye pressure will develop glaucoma, it is still a significant risk factor. Therefore, it's essential to be proactive in managing eye pressure and maintaining overall eye health.
Discover 10 alternatives to Ziphealth.co that provide a wide range of online pharmacy and healthcare services. From men's and women's health to specialized subscriptions, these options offer convenience and accessibility. Explore the pros and cons of each to find the perfect fit for your telehealth needs. Whether it's prescriptions or fitness subscriptions, there's a solution for everyone.
Are online pharmacies really less expensive and more convenient than your neighborhood drugstore? This in-depth article explores the real cost and time differences between RxConnected and local pharmacies, providing practical insights, data, and expert tips to help you make smarter choices about where to fill your prescriptions in 2025.
In my latest blog post, I delve into the surprising benefits of cashew dietary supplements. These little game-changers are packed with essential vitamins and minerals that can truly enhance your health regimen. I've explored how they can boost your immune system, improve heart health, and even aid in weight loss. Switching to cashew supplements could be the innovative change your diet needs. Trust me, your body will thank you.
Searching for the best 2025 alternatives to Verapamil can be overwhelming. This article breaks down each substitute, looking at the good, the bad, and who should consider them. You'll see a clear comparison of side effects, uses, and what kinds of patients each medication fits best. Plus, if you're not finding relief with Verapamil or can't use it due to side effects, you'll leave with a better idea of your next steps. Everything here is straightforward, current, and designed for people who want answers, not jargon.
