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Learning of a loved one’s Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis is extremely difficult for families. Understanding what to expect when dealing with this complex disease is essential and can help caregivers, family members, and patients navigate this challenging journey more effectively. In this article, we’ll discuss what to expect when dealing with Alzheimer's disease.
What is Alzheimer’s disease?
Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, is a progressive neurological disorder that destroys memory, thinking, and behavior. It can progress to the point where a person's ability to carry out daily activities is seriously affected.
Age is the among the greatest risk factors of Alzheimer’s disease, with symptoms typically appearing after age 60, with the number of people living with the disease doubling every five years after age 65. Researchers believe genetics may play a role in developing Alzheimer’s disease and are studying to determine if education, diet, and environment are also contributors.
Although Alzheimer’s disease affects people differently, the disease typically progresses slowly over time through three stages: early, middle, and late.
Download our free guide, Choosing the Right Senior Living Community.
The early (mild) stages of Alzheimer’s disease
In the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, individuals may experience mild memory loss and cognitive decline. Common symptoms of early-stage Alzheimer’s disease include:
- Trouble coming up with correct words or names
- Losing, misplacing, or putting items in strange places and not being able to retrace steps to find lost items
- Confusion with time and place
- Difficulty planning or organizing
- Forgetting recently read material
- Difficulty performing tasks in social settings
During the early stage, most people can function independently. This stage can last between 2 and 4 years. It’s important for people to begin taking control of their health, wellness, and finances in the early stages.
It’s common for families to feel overwhelmed and confused about what to expect and how to care for their loved ones properly. Setting up a support system at this stage is essential.
Memory care communities like Allegro’s Ensemble Memory Care provide expert memory care services and support for families and their loved ones.
The middle (moderate) stages of Alzheimer’s disease
As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, symptoms become more pronounced and require more support. Common symptoms of middle-stage Alzheimer’s disease include:
- Moodiness or being withdrawn in social situations
- Difficulty with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, toileting, and grooming
- Forgetting personal history, recent events, and important dates
- Significant personality and behavior changes, such as increased aggression and unfounded suspicions, irritability, or depression.
- Confusion about their location or day of the week
- Difficulty controlling bladder and bowels
- Sleep disturbances such as insomnia or sleeping during the day
- A tendency to wander and become lost
This is typically the longest stage of Alzheimer’s disease, lasting for many years, and will eventually require a greater level of care.
The late (severe) stages of Alzheimer’s disease
In the late stages of Alzheimer’s disease, symptoms increase to the point where individuals will become completely dependent on others, requiring round-the-clock assistance with personal care.
Symptoms at this stage include:
- Severe memory loss, inability to recognize family members
- Physical difficulties such as walking, sitting, and swallowing
- Inability to communicate
- A vulnerability to infections, especially pneumonia
Because of the severity of the symptoms during the late stages of Alzheimer’s disease, family members should enlist the help of professional support services such as in-home caregivers or memory care in a senior living community.
Wrap-up
When a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, it can be devastating for families. By recognizing the symptoms, seeking appropriate care, and getting support for patients and caregivers, it’s possible to navigate this complex condition more effectively.
Dealing with Alzheimer’s disease requires knowledge, patience, understanding, comprehensive planning, and a lot of support.
Contact a helpful advisor for more information on Allegro’s Ensemble memory care communities. Download our free “Choosing the Right Community” guide for helpful guidance on picking the right senior living community for your loved one.
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