Alzheimer’s disease usually progresses slowly in three general stages:
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Mild (Early-Stage)
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Moderate (Middle-Stage)
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Severe (Late-Stage)
Because Alzheimer’s affects people differently, each person may experience symptoms—or progress through the stages—at a different pace. On average, a person with Alzheimer’s lives four to eight years after diagnosis, but some live as long as 20 years depending on other factors.
Changes in the brain related to Alzheimer’s can begin years before any symptoms appear. This stage is known as preclinical Alzheimer’s disease.
The stages below provide a general overview of how abilities may change once symptoms appear. Stages often overlap, so it can be difficult to place someone in one specific stage.
3 STAGES OF ALZHEIMER'S
In the early stage of Alzheimer’s, a person may still function independently—driving, working, and taking part in social activities. However, they may begin noticing memory lapses, such as forgetting familiar words or the location of everyday objects.
Friends, family, or neighbors may also start to notice changes. During a detailed medical evaluation, doctors may detect problems in memory or concentration.
Common difficulties in early-stage Alzheimer’s include:
MILD ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE
(EARLY-STAGE)
1. Problems coming up with the right word or name
2. Trouble remembering names of new people
3. Greater difficulty performing tasks in social or work settings
4. Forgetting material just read
5. Losing or misplacing valuable objects
6. Increasing trouble with planning or organizing
MODERATE ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE
(MIDDLE-STAGE)
This stage is typically the longest and can last for many years. As the disease progresses, individuals may require a greater level of care.
Common difficulties in middle-stage Alzheimer’s include:
1. Feeling moody or withdrawn, especially in challenging situations
2. Trouble controlling bladder or bowels (in some individuals)
3. Increased risk of wandering and becoming lost
4. Inability to recall address, phone number, or school history
5. Changes in sleep patterns (sleeping during the day, restlessness at night)
6. Confusion about time or place; needing help with clothing choices
7. Personality and behavior changes, including suspicions, delusions, or compulsive behavior like hand-wringing or tissue shredding
8. Forgetfulness of events or about one's own personal history
SEVERE ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE
(LATE-STAGE)
In the final stage of Alzheimer’s, individuals lose the ability to respond to their environment, carry on a conversation, and eventually control movement. Communicating pain becomes difficult, and memory and cognitive skills continue to worsen. Extensive help with daily activities becomes necessary.
Common difficulties in late-stage Alzheimer’s include:
1. Increasing difficulty communicating
2. Changes in physical abilities (walking, sitting, eventually swallowing)
3. Needing high levels of help with daily activities and personal care
4. Loss of awareness of recent experiences and surroundings
5. Becoming vulnerable to infections, especially pneumonia
6. Requiring full-time, around-the-clock assistance with personal care