You can aid your Alzheimer's-affected loved one by knowing more about the disease's progression.

The stages don't always fit neatly into boxes, and symptoms might vary, but they can serve as a guide and aid in planning for your companion or relative's care. The development of the illness is what doctors refer to as these several stages.

Because there is no treatment for Alzheimer's disease, knowing what to expect might help you plan for your loved one's requirements at each stage. There are no hard and fast distinctions between mild - severe phases, but you should expect the following changes over time.

Stage 1: Typical External Behavior

Alzheimer's disease often begins quietly, with brain abnormalities occurring years before anybody knows anything is wrong. When your dear one is at this early stage, there will be no visible signs. Only a PET scan, which is an imaging test that reveals how the brain works, can tell if they have Alzheimer's.

Your Alzheimer's friend or family will notice ever more variations in their logic and understanding as they progress through the next six phases.

Stage 2: Minor Alterations

You may not notice anything unusual about your loved one's conduct, but they may detect subtle deviations that even a doctor might overlook. This can involve forgetting words or losing track of items.

Subtle Alzheimer's symptoms do not interfere with their capacity to work or live comfortably at this time.

Take note that these signs might be the result of normal aging rather than Alzheimer's.

Stage 3: Mild Deterioration

You may observe changes in your beloved one's logic and understanding at this stage, such as:

• Forgets what they've just read
• Frequently asks this question
• Has increasing difficulty creating or arranging plans
• When meeting new individuals, I have trouble remembering names.
• You may assist by acting as your loved one's 'memory,' ensuring that they pay their bills and attend appointments on time. You might also advise them to relieve stress by retiring from work to put their legal and financial affairs in order.

Stage 4: Moderate Deterioration

During this time, the thinking and reasoning flaws you identified in stage 3 become more apparent, and new concerns emerge. Your family member or friend could:

• Forget about their personal information.
• Have difficulties written a check with the correct date and amount?
• Forget about the month or season.
• Have difficulty preparing meals or simply ordering off a menu?
• Having trouble using the phone
• They do not comprehend what is being stated to them.
• Tasks requiring several processes, such as cleaning the house, are difficult to complete.
• You can assist them with their daily tasks as well as their safety. Make certain they aren't driving and that no one is attempting to take advantage of them financially.

Moderately Severe Decline (Stage 5)

Your loved one may get disoriented on where they're and what period it is. They can forget their home address, mobile number, or where they went to school. They can become perplexed as to what to dress for the day or period.

You may assist them by setting their clothes out in the morning. It can assist them in dressing independently and maintaining their independence.

If they ask the same question again, respond with a steady, comforting tone. They can be asking these questions more to know you're there than to receive a response.

Even if the loved one is unable to recall facts and specifics, they may be able to tell a story.

Stage 6: Severe Deterioration

Your loved one may recognize faces but miss names as Alzheimer's develop. They may also confuse someone for someone else, such as thinking their wife is their mother. Delusions may arise, such as the belief that they must go to work even though they do not have one.

You may need to assist them in using the restroom.

Even though it's difficult to communicate, you may still connect with someone through your senses. Many Alzheimer's patients like listening to music, being read to, or looking through old photographs.

At this point, your loved one may be unable to:

• Feed yourself
• Swallow
• Prepare yourself.
• They might also have:
• Loss of weight
• Skin problems
• Pneumonia
• Having difficulty walking
• Sleeping habits have shifted.

Stage 7: Severe Deterioration

During this time, a person with Alzheimer's loses several fundamental abilities, such as eating, walking, and sitting up. You may aid your loved ones by serving them soft, easy-to-swallow meals, teaching them how to use a spoon, and making sure they drink. This is critical since many people at this point can't determine when they're thirsty.

People with Alzheimer's disease require a lot of assistance from carers at this stage. Many families discover that, no matter how much they wish to, they are unable to care for their loved ones at home. If this describes you, consider nursing homes, which give expert care 24 hours a day.

Hospice may be a wonderful alternative for someone who is nearing the end of their life. This does not necessarily imply that they are relocated. Hospice care may be provided in almost any place. It's a multidisciplinary approach that focuses on the person's and their family's comfort, pain management, and other medical issues, as well as emotional concerns and spiritual assistance (if wanted).