Alzheimer's Stages Questions

1. Can new brain cell development slow the progression of Alzheimer's?

   It is not clear that rigorous mental work, of the types you described, actually leads to the development of new brain cells. However, it is well established that new connections are formed between existing brain cells when new information is learned. Additionally, old connections get strengthened when used to recall previously stored information...
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2. My mother is confused all the time, what stage of Alzheimer's is she in?

   Level of confusion and Alzheimer's stages can be difficult to discern. As you said, characteristics of stages may overlap. Even so, it can be helpful to frame the person's current level of functioning into one of the stages. It can give you information about how the person might function, areas they...
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3. How many stages of dementia are there?

   There's no single standard classification used by everyone. Most physicians refer to three basic three stages of dementia, although they may be referred to by different names: 1) early stage or mild dementia, 2) mid-stage or moderate, and 3) late-to-end-stage, or severe...
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4. Is brain shrinking an Alzheimer's diagnosis?

   "Some small amount of brain shrinkage" on an MRI is not adequate for a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. No single test or MRI can be used by itself to diagnose Alzheimer's. Much depends on his age, other medical conditions, and most important, have there been changes in his ability to handle usual daily tasks...
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5. How quickly can Alzheimer's progress?

   Alzheimer's disease is usually diagnosed at least three years after the onset of symptoms. Your father might have the disease even longer before being diagnosed because psychosis appears relatively late in the course of Alzheimer's disease...
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6. Is losing the ability to walk part of the Alzheimer's progression?

   Unfortunately, losing the ability to walk independently is a very common consequence of progression of Alzheimer's disease. You might want to try some assistive devices but many patients are unable to use them. One device that may extend his ability to walk is Merry Walker - a walker with built in seat and a strap between legs that prevents falling...
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7. Can sudden onset tremors and stumbling a sign of worsening Alzheimer's?

   Your husband might have a Dementia with Lewy bodies that is often found together with Alzheimer's disease. This dementia has symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease and may cause falls. You might want to talk to your physician about treatment with Sinemet that is used in Parkinson's disease...
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8. How do you know if someone is in the final stage of Alzheimer's disease?

   When a person with Alzheimer's disease reaches the final stage, he usually displays the following physical and cognitive signs:
   FAQ 1 Expert Answer, 43 Community Answers

9. What is the typical length of Alzheimer's stages?

   There's a saying about Alzheimer's: If you've seen one case of it, you've seen...one case of it. The disease manifests in different ways and progresses at a different pace in each individual. So there's no rule of thumb for how long each Alzheimer's stage lasts. Some people decline rapidly, within months...
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10. Is rapid memory loss a sign of Alzheimer's?

    A rapid short term memory decline is not usually associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Most of the time memory loss for someone with AD has a slower progression. It is important for him to be seen by a physician as soon as possible to determine the cause and perhaps treatment of the rapid memory loss...
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11. What can I do if my mother's Alzheimer's care facility won't let me speak to her by phone?

    I'm sure that this new "rule" regarding phone conversations is upsetting to you. have you spoken to the unit director and asked her for other alternatives? If the phone is still in the room is it only your call that upsets her? I would think they would remove the phone although it is a "resident right" violation if they remove it against her will...
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12. What stage of Alzheimer's is my mother in, and when is the right time to place her in assisted living?

    As you describe it, your mom’s behavior is typical of someone in the middle stage of the disease. No doubt, the trauma of your father’s death has sent her into a decline. Reminding her that he’s gone will only further aggravate her dementia. When she asks about his whereabouts, tell her you’re not sre...
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13. FAQ: What Is Preclinical Alzheimer's Disease?

    Preclinical Alzheimer's disease means that Alzheimer's biomarkers are detected in the brain and blood, but no symptoms of the disease are yet apparent. It's also called "presymptomatic Alzheimer's."
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14. Can I have an Alzheimer's Custom Care Guide for two parents?

    Connie, Thanks for your interest in the custom care guide and we hope you find the information helpful. To answer your question directly, we plan on adding the ability to manage more than 1 loved one with stages but that is not yet available...
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15. Is it normal for my grandfather, who has Alzheimer's and dementia, to be acting inappropriately towards other people?

    One of the things that happens sometimes in people with dementia is that they lose some of their social inhibitions, due to some of the changes in their brains. This means that their ability to distinguish what is or is not socially appropriate is no longer working right...
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16. Is wanting to "go home" part of Alzheimer's, even if the patient is at home?

    When she refers to "home," it's as an expression of an emotion. Home is where the heart is -- and her memories and heart are with your father and the home they shared. Unless she becomes too upset, try keeping on hand an album of pictures from the past so that she can reminisce about her life...
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17. How many stages of Alzheimer's are there?

    There are several different ways to count the stages of Alzheimer's, because there is no single, standard classification.
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18. Could Mom's worsening symptoms be the next stage or due to a new medication?

    You did not say which medication was changed. However, the best way to find out if the change is due to the medication is to stop it or go back to the old medication. Lot of treatments of Alzheimer's disease uses "trial and error" strategy.
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19. How many stages of Alzheimer's are there?

    Thank you for your question. However, I must begin by saying that if you have a loved one whom you suspect may have dementia or is suffering from Alzheimer's disease, please have him or her evaluated by a geriatric neurologist. If, however, you are seeking the answer to that question for your own edification, I am happy to provide the following response...
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20. How do you know that a person is the last stages of Alzheimer's?

    When a person with dementia reaches the advanced stage of Alzheimer’s disease, he or she usually displays the following physical and cognitive signs:
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