Every senior with Alzheimer’s disease experiences it differently. However, there are still many similarities throughout the stages of the disease. Supporting an aging loved one with Alzheimer’s symptoms can become easier once you understand how the condition unfolds. Here’s an overview of the seven stages of Alzheimer’s disease.
Stage 1: No Impairment
At this point, the disease isn’t yet detectable and no obvious symptoms are present, which makes it difficult to know if your loved one even has the disease. Only a PET scan can reveal the presence of Alzheimer’s in this initial stage.
Stage 2: Very Mild Changes
Your loved one might be experiencing minor memory issues that are indistinguishable from normal age-related memory loss. Memory tests may be easily passed, and a physician or family member still may not be able to detect the disease at this point.
Stage 3: Mild Cognitive Decline
You may start noticing changes in your loved one’s reasoning and thinking abilities. Physicians can also detect impaired cognitive function. Your loved one may experience difficulty with planning and organizing, remembering the names of new friends or something he or she just read, or finding the right words to say during conversations.
Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality at-home care. Trust Assisting Hands Home Care to help your elderly loved one age in place safely and comfortably.
Stage 4: Moderate Cognitive Decline
The symptoms noticed in stage 3 may become much more distinct, and new ones may also appear. Your loved one might forget seemingly obvious things such as personal details or the date.
Stage 5: Moderately Severe Cognitive Decline
Your loved one may now require more help with daily activities. While simple tasks such as bathing are likely still manageable, your parent may experience significant confusion, difficulty dressing properly, or an inability to remember simple details such as his or her phone number.
At this stage, family members should consider hiring professional caregivers. Families looking for top-rated Las Vegas homecare services providers can reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care Las Vegas. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones.
Stage 6: Severe Cognitive Decline
In this stage, your loved one may require frequent supervision and professional care. Your parent may experience loss of bladder and bowel control, difficulty recognizing faces (especially those of close relatives and friends), and a need for assistance with simple tasks such as visiting the washroom. Communication through the senses can be helpful during this stage, as many seniors with Alzheimer’s love looking at photos, being read to, and listening to music.
Stage 7: Very Severe Cognitive Decline
During this last stage, your loved one may lose the ability to communicate and respond to his or her environment. Your parent might still utter some words but have no insight due to the Alzheimer’s symptoms. You may need to help your loved one with many daily activities, such as feeding and grooming.
If your senior loved one has Alzheimer’s and needs help managing daily tasks, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of Alzheimer’s care. Las Vegas Assisting Hands Home Care provides reliable caregivers around the clock to help your loved one age in place safely and comfortably while living with Alzheimer’s disease. Call us today at 702-919-0231 to discuss how we can give you the peace of mind that comes from knowing your loved one is being cared for with professionalism and compassion.
