What are the seven stages of Alzheimer's?

The seven (7) stages of Alzheimer's disease are:

  1. No impairment. People in the first stage of the disease show no symptoms.

  2. Very mild decline. This stage can easily be mistaken for normal age-related forgetfulness like misplacing things or forgetting appointments.

  3. Mild decline. At this point, those closest to the patient may begin to notice signs of memory loss. The patient may have trouble finding words during conversations or can have problems with planning.  

  4. Moderate decline. At this stage, memory loss is pronounced and a diagnosis is more obvious. The patient may have trouble managing a household and will have poor short-term memory.

  5. Moderately severe decline. At this stage, most patients may have trouble remembering the names and faces of loved ones and can have problems with things like getting dressed on their own.

  6. Severe decline. During this time, self-care tasks like toileting and bathing become difficult, and the patient may wander away or become confused or disoriented easily. They may not remember even their closest family members. 

  7. Very severe decline. This is the final stage of Alzheimer's. Patients in this last stage are nearing death and are usually unable to respond to their surroundings.


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