The number of people with Alzheimer’s disease is increasing as the baby boomers age. The Alzheimer’s Association estimates that approximately 5.8 million Americans have the disease. The number of people with Alzheimer’s disease is expected to rise to 13.8 millions by 2050.
Some groups are actually being hit more than others.
- Alzheimer’s affects one in 10 seniors 65 years and older.
- Nearly two-thirds (33%)) of American Alzheimer’s patients are women
- African-Americans are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease than whites.
- Hispanics are 1.5 times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease.
Dementia is America’s sixth leading cause for death, with more deaths than breast cancer and prostate carcinoma combined. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the disease is diagnosed in 65 seconds.
Learn more about Alzheimer’s stages, warning signs, symptoms, and what you can do next.
What Alzheimer’s Disease is and Isn’t
Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive disorder that causes brain cells to die and waste away, is called “alzheimers-disease”. It is the most prevalent cause of dementia according to the Mayo Clinic. This is a progressive decline in cognitive ability that can also impact behavioral and social skills. This can cause a decline in independence and affect a person’s ability of functioning independently. 60 to 80% of dementia cases are caused by Alzheimer’s disease.
However, Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal part aging. While increasing age is the most significant risk factor, Alzheimer’s disease isn’t just a disease of old ages. About 200,000 Americans are at risk of developing early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.
The disease progresses in stages and can cause mild to severe symptoms.
Cognitive changes can occur as we age. While common cognitive changes such as forgetting names and misplacing keys are all part of aging, not all of them point to Alzheimer’s. Alz.org shows you some of the most common age-related changes.
Alzheimer’s Stages and Symptoms
It can be difficult to detect the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Everyone is affected differently. There are overlaps between stages of Alzheimer’s. Experts such as the Alzheimer’s Association generally divide Alzheimer’s disease into three stages – mild, moderate, and severe.
Mild Stage or Early Stage
It is easy to overlook the milder or early stages of Alzheimer’s-related dementia. These symptoms can be misinterpreted as normal aging and last between 2 and 4 years.
A person at this stage may be able to function independently, drive, work and participate in social activities. This person might be aware of their growing memory loss.
Family members and friends may notice signs of trouble. Doctors may be able to detect memory and concentration problems if medical assistance is sought at this point.
Common symptoms
- Trouble remembering the correct word or name?
- After being introduced to someone new, it is difficult to remember names
- Tasks that are difficult to perform at work or in social settings
- Not recognizing material you have just read
- Losing or misplacing valuable items
- Planning and organizing are becoming more difficult
Moderate to Middle Stage
As Alzheimer’s progresses into the middle or moderate stage, dementia symptoms become more apparent. While a person might have more difficulty with routine tasks, they may still be able to recall significant details about their lives.
An Alzheimer’s patient at this stage may be confused about words, angry or frustrated, or act out in unusual ways such as refusing to do basic hygiene. It can be difficult for patients with Alzheimer’s to communicate their thoughts and complete routine tasks due to damage to the nerve cells.
Moderate stage of Alzheimer’s can last years and is usually the longest. The Alzheimer’s patient will need more care as the disease progresses.
This is when symptoms may become apparent to others.
- Neglecting both personal and current history
- An increase in moodiness and withdrawal, especially when faced with difficult situations or social interactions
- Unable to recall details such as telephone numbers or addresses
- Confused about the date or the location?
- It can be difficult to choose the right clothing for the occasion or season.
- Trouble controlling your bladder and bowels
- Sleep patterns are changing
- Increased danger of wandering off and getting lost
- Personality and behavior changes, compulsive repetitive behavior or compulsive personality change
Severe Stage or Late Stage
Family members will find it most difficult to cope with the severe or late stage of dementia. The individual is now almost totally dependent on caregivers and inactive. The physical symptoms and signs of memory disturbances can be severe.
Late-stage Alzheimer’s patients often have difficulty responding to their environment, carrying on a conversation, or controlling their movements. It is possible to experience significant personality changes. They often require extensive assistance with their daily activities.
This is due to:
- A lack of awareness or confusion about the environment and its surroundings
- Unable to recognize any other than the closest family members and friends
- Incapacity to swallow
- The loss of communication ability
- Physical abilities like sitting or walking are lost
- Infections (e.g. pneumonia) are on the rise
- Ability to control your movements is lost
- Loss of bladder and bowel control
- Potential behavior problems and major personality changes
- Assistance with daily activities is essential
- Wandering
The decline may be so severe that professional supervision may be required. Patients are at the end of their lives due to Alzheimer’s disease’s terminal nature.
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