Alzheimer’s’s disease is becoming increasingly known around the world. We have a general idea of what it refers to, but that does not mean we are aware of the details, how it works, and its progression. Alzheimer’s’s disease does not appear overnight; it develops over time and gradually worsens. Therefore, it is important to know the different symptoms and also to easily identify the various stages of this disease.
This will allow you to prepare well and successfully monitor the progression of Alzheimer’s’s disease. Clearly identifying the 7 stages of Alzheimer’s’s disease will enable the implementation of appropriate support and to modify it over time, allowing the affected person to remain in a safe environment with perfectly adapted assistance.
If you are not clearly familiar with the 7 different stages of Alzheimer’s’s disease, we recommend reading the article we have prepared to help you prepare to act in the right way. So don’t wait any longer to read the rest of this article!
Stage 1: Normal Body Functioning
Alzheimer’s’s disease gradually sets in and is divided into several stages. The onset of the disease is the most difficult stage to identify. Indeed, the symptoms do not all appear overnight. It is challenging to find the signs of the early stages of this disease, and symptoms can vary from one patient to another.
The first stage is very difficult to identify as the beginning of Alzheimer’s’s disease because it does not present any memory impairment. Dementia is not yet present on a daily basis. To determine if stage 1 is present, one must consult a healthcare professional to perform tests that will help ascertain if the person is in the first stage of Alzheimer’s’s disease.
Stage 2: Very Mild Cognitive Impairment
The second stage is easier to identify but can also be a sign of aging. The patient will experience more frequent memory lapses, some common words will escape them, as well as the location of certain objects in their daily life. However, there will be no visible dementia, although a doctor may detect it.
This stage is therefore easier to identify, but it primarily concerns a cognitive impairment affecting memory. This can be a sign of Alzheimer’s’s disease but also a mark of aging.
Stage 3: Mild Cognitive Impairment
This stage can easily be noticed by those around the patient. The patient may also undergo medical follow-up to confirm the concerns of their loved ones. It is often at this stage that doctors can detect the early stage of Alzheimer’s’s disease. It manifests as difficulties in finding the right vocabulary, recalling the names of certain people, forgetting what they just read, misplacing items, feeling uncomfortable in social situations, or having difficulties planning tasks.
Stage 4: Moderate Impairments
This stage often allows for the detection of a mild stage of Alzheimer’s’s disease by observing certain unmistakable symptoms.
The patient will forget recent events or their own past. Mental capabilities such as calculations will become more complicated, as will performing certain tasks or preparing for dinner.
A patient with Alzheimer’s’s disease will often experience mood swings and withdraw from social situations as they will not feel comfortable.
Stage 5: Moderately Severe Deficits
When the patient reaches this advanced stage, they face numerous daily challenges, indicating that they will need appropriate support. Indeed, individuals with Alzheimer’s’s disease cannot remember their address, contact details, or anything related to their past. They quickly become lost in space and time and require assistance for eating or using the restroom.
A patient with Alzheimer’s’s disease at this stage will have difficulties performing calculations or remembering important events. It will also be necessary to establish daily assistance for tasks such as choosing an outfit suitable for the season.
Stage 6: Severe Deficits of Alzheimer’s’s Disease
This serious stage involves an aggravation of every sign and requires numerous implementations to help the person affected by Alzheimer’s’s disease. It is essential to know the limits of the person with Alzheimer’s’s by learning about the various elements of this stage.
The impairments are related to memory, sleep, identity, incontinence, and daily orientation. This often leads to personality changes such as mood swings and distrust of the surrounding world, not to mention the possibility of hallucinations. Therefore, it is crucial to establish comprehensive care for anyone at this stage of the disease.
Stage 7: The Most Advanced Stage of the Disease
During this final stage, the patient can no longer engage in conversation or interaction with their loved ones, whom they no longer recognize. They are also unable to perform gestures or sounds that are understandable, and it is important to implement comprehensive support to assist the person affected by Alzheimer’s’s disease.
An Application Designed for People with Alzheimer’s’s Disease:
SCARLETT
A brain training program featuring over 30 memory games tailored for individuals suffering from mild to severe cognitive disorders, such as Alzheimer’s’s, Parkinson’s disease, and other neurodegenerative diseases.
- A simple interface,
- 3 levels of difficulty per game,
- No WiFi required
Try the application for free for 1 week on all Android and Apple tablets!
Discover the SCARLETT Application
Supporting People with Alzheimer’s’s
Receive Online Support from a Memory Training Coach
Book 1-hour sessions with our DYNSEO expert. During the coaching, using the COCO application, Clint or Scarlett, the expert will suggest certain games based on the cognitive functions you wish to improve (attention, memory, language…). They will be able to recommend the best games to achieve your goal and provide you with strategies to implement.
The coaching can be reserved by:
- Individuals who want support in using our programs: training at home alone can be difficult. One can lose motivation if there is no one to play with. Sometimes a loved one initiates cognitive stimulation activities, but it requires patience, and going through an external person can be simpler.
- Individuals who are being followed by healthcare professionals but also engage in activities at home: between sessions with the professional, you can train at home. The expert can recommend the most suitable games for your needs.
- Individuals waiting to start a therapeutic journey: waiting times to schedule an appointment with a speech therapist can be very long. During the wait, you can begin your cognitive training and be supported by our expert to carry out activities together.
If you or your loved ones have cognitive disorders or vulnerabilities, it is important to be followed by a doctor or healthcare professional. Coaching is a support tool for using our tablet programs. It does not replace a speech therapy assessment. If you are using our programs because you have a disease, please discuss it with your doctor.
A quick appointment
Without leaving your home
Personalized advice tailored to your needs
Risk Factors for Alzheimer’s’s Disease
Understanding the risk factors associated with Alzheimer’s’s disease is essential for better apprehending this pathology. While some factors are unavoidable, others can be influenced by lifestyle. Here are the main risk factors:
- Age: The risk of developing Alzheimer’s’s disease increases with age, especially after 65.
- Family History: Having a parent or sibling with the disease increases the risk.
- Genetic Factors: Certain genetic mutations may predispose individuals to the disease.
- Health Status: Cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and hypertension can increase the risk.
- Lifestyle: An unbalanced diet, lack of physical exercise, and smoking are aggravating factors.
Strategies for Preventing Alzheimer’s’s Disease
Although there is no guaranteed way to prevent Alzheimer’s’s disease, certain strategies can help reduce the risk. Here are some recommendations:
- Adopt a Healthy Diet: Favor fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fish rich in omega-3.
- Stay Active: Engage in regular physical activity, such as walking, cycling, or swimming.
- Stimulate Your Brain: Participate in intellectual activities, such as board games, reading, or learning a new language.
- Maintain Social Relationships: Keep regular social interactions with family and friends.
- Monitor Your Health: Manage chronic illnesses and consult a doctor regularly.
The Emotional Impact of Alzheimer’s’s Disease on Loved Ones
Alzheimer’s’s disease affects not only the patient but also their loved ones. Families may experience a range of complex emotions. Here are some common emotional impacts:
- Sadness: Watching a loved one lose their abilities can be devastating.
- Frustration: Communication and understanding difficulties can create tension.
- Guilt: Loved ones may feel they are not doing enough to help.
- Stress: Managing care and responsibilities can be exhausting.
- The Need for Support: It is crucial for loved ones to seek support, whether through support groups or professionals.
Advances in Alzheimer’s’s Disease Research
Research on Alzheimer’s’s disease is progressing rapidly, offering new hopes for diagnosis and treatment. Here are some key areas of research:
- Drug Therapies: New medications are being developed to slow the progression of the disease.
- Biomarkers: Research is focusing on identifying biomarkers for early diagnosis.
- Non-Pharmacological Interventions: Studies are examining the effectiveness of cognitive therapies and approaches based on physical activity.
- Genetics: Understanding genetic factors could lead to personalized treatments.
- Prevention: Research is ongoing to determine how lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of developing the disease.
