Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease

By Jamie Shapiro | January 26, 2017 | Comments Off on Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease

Home Care in Evanston IL

When most people think of Alzheimer’s disease, they probably think of an elderly person with memory problems. This disease is much more complex than that. As it progresses, the elder will loseHome-Care-in-Evanston-IL the ability to verbally communicate and may even become confused and disoriented in familiar locations. If your loved one does have Alzheimer’s disease, they can still live a somewhat independent life with the help of a home care provider. Yet, knowing about the various stages will help you better understand what the elder is going through.

 

Mild Alzheimer’s Disease

An older adult with this disease will still be able to function properly for a while. They may still be able to take part in social activities, drive, and do tasks around the home. However, family members may begin to notice the following symptoms of the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease.

  • Difficulty finding the right word or name in a conversation
  • Problems remembering the name of someone they  were just introduced to
  • Increased trouble performing everyday tasks
  • Forgetting information they just read
  • Frequently losing or misplacing valuable objects
  • Increased trouble with planning or organizing

 

Moderate Alzheimer’s Disease

The elder should still be able to complete a number of tasks alone, but their memory will begin causing more problems for them. They may begin to feel more angry or frustrated over not being able to find the right word in a conversation. Their behavior may also change, such as refusing to take a bath. Below are other signs to watch for during this stage.

  • Frequently forgetting events that have occurred in their own history
  • Unable to remember their own address or phone number, as well as forgetting what high school or college they graduated from
  • Difficulty dressing themselves for the season
  • Problems controlling their bladder or bowel movements
  • An increase in becoming lost or wandering
  • Changes in behavior, such as becoming suspicious or compulsive

 

Severe Alzheimer’s Disease

This form of Alzheimer’s disease usually requires around-the-clock care from a home care provider. The symptoms of this stage include:

  • Needing constant assistance with personal care tasks
  • Loss of awareness of recent experiences and surroundings
  • Needing constant assistance with everyday tasks
  • Changes in their physical abilities, like trouble walking, sitting, and swallowing
  • Difficulty communicating
  • Increasingly becoming vulnerable to infections, such as pneumonia

 

Alzheimer’s disease can completely change the person you once knew. They will need your love and support much more during this disease. Consider also hiring a home care provider to watch them and help with their daily tasks and personal care.

If you or an aging loved one are considering home care in Evanston, IL, contact the caring staff at Companion Services of America today at (847) 943-3786. Our home care service area includes Northbrook, Highland Park, Deerfield, Glenview, Buffalo Grove, Evanston, Des Plaines, Skokie, Lake Forest, Wilmette and the surrounding areas.

 

Source: https://www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_stages_of_alzheimers.asp?type=carecenter_footer

Jamie Shapiro
Latest posts by Jamie Shapiro (see all)
Posted in Home Care in Evanston IL and tagged