Questions About Stages of Alzheimer's

1. What are the signs Alzheimer's is worsening?

   Question - My father says sometimes that he's dizzy, it just comes on him, some times he is sick to his stomach, I thought he was having panic attacks...cold sweats etc. Are these the same symptoms?. He just got diagnosed with mild to mod. AD
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2. How many stages of Alzheimer's are there?

   Question - There are several different ways to count the stages of Alzheimer's, because there is no single, standard classification.
   1 Expert Answer

3. How do you know that a person is the last stages of Alzheimer's?

   Question - When a person with dementia reaches the advanced stage of Alzheimer’s disease, he or she usually displays the following physical and cognitive signs:
   1 Expert Answer, 9 Community Answers

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

   Question - 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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5. How do you know if someone is in the final stage of Alzheimer's disease?

   Question - 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

6. Is losing the ability to walk part of the Alzheimer's progression?

   Question - 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...
   1 Expert Answer, 8 Community Answers

7. What type of care is best for advanced Alzheimer's?

   Question - I don't know where in Illinois you are, but I have my Mother who is in a late stage of Alzheimers, in a Sunrise facility, called Brighton Gardens, in the Reminiscence wing in the back, where she has 24-hour care. It's very expensive, and private-pay only, but I sold her car and her house after my Dad...
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8. What is stage 7 Alzheimer's disease?

   Question - Stage 7 Alzheimer’s is described as very severe decline, late stage Alzheimer's disease. At this stage of the disease all verbal and walking abilities, ability to sit up and smile will all gradually be lost. Motor symptoms may include jerking movements and seizures can occ...
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9. What is stage 6 Alzheimer's?

   Question - Stage 6 Alzheimer’s is described as moderately severe or mid stage Alzheimer's disease. Memory problems worsen and people at this stage of the disease start to forget significant amounts of information about themselves, their surroundings. They can wander and may become lost. They may forget names o of their spouses...
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10. What is stage 5 Alzheimer's?

    Question - We are underestimating what medication can do to help or hurt memory stages. EVERYONE in a hospital, that has surgery has cognitive impairment. They were under anesthesia to perform a surgery. I have had patients FAIL to remember what their normal blood pressure is. Sometimes, segments of memory are blocked...
    2 Community Answers

11. What is stage 3 Alzheimer's?

    Question - Stage 3 Alzheimer’s Is mild decline, also described as early Alzheimer's disease. Signs may include getting lost traveling to an unfamiliar location. Work colleagues begin to notice low performance because of organizational and planning problems. People close to the affected person notice name and w word-finding deficits...
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12. What is stage 2 Alzheimer's?

    Question - Alzheimer's disease is NOT a part of normal aging, absolutely not!
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13. What is stage 1 Alzheimer's?

    Question - I found the definition of stage 1 Alzheimer’s very vague. It states there are no overt memory losses, nor are any there any indications of Alzheimer’s during a medical examination. For a layperson, it is difficult to understand why normal behavior aging behavior should be considered stage 1 Alzheimheimer’s...
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14. How many stages of Alzheimer's are there?

    Question - 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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15. What stage of Alzheimer's is my mother in, and when is the right time to place her in assisted living?

    Question - 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...
    1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

16. Could Mom's worsening symptoms be the next stage or due to a new medication?

    Question - 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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17. Can new brain cell development slow the progression of Alzheimer's?

    Question - 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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18. Can my wife's silence and staring mean her Alzheimer's is getting worse?

    Question - My wife has Alzheimer's and I visit her three times a week. She does a lot of jabbering and smiling like she is telling me things, but lately she is quiet and stares. I was wondering if this is temporary or is it a sign that she is going to another stage?

19. Can sudden onset tremors and stumbling a sign of worsening Alzheimer's?

    Question - 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...
    1 Expert Answer, 5 Community Answers

20. Can I have an Alzheimer's Custom Care Guide for two parents?

    Question - 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...
    1 Community Answer

21. My mother is confused all the time, what stage of Alzheimer's is she in?

    Question - 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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22. FAQ: What Is Preclinical Alzheimer's Disease?

    Question - 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."
    FAQ 1 Expert Answer

23. Is it normal for someone with Alzheimer's to suddenly decline?

    Question - Hi,
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24. What is palliative care for end-stage Alzheimer's patients?

    Question - Palliative care for end-stage alzheimer's patients refers to the fact that at this point in time Alzheimer’s is not a curable disease and that the best that can be done is to make the patient comfortable.
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25. What are the symptoms of late stage Alzheimer's?

    Question - According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the symptoms of late stage Alzheimer’s include:
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26. What can I do if my mother's Alzheimer's care facility won't let me speak to her by phone?

    Question - 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...
    1 Expert Answer

27. How many stages of dementia are there?

    Question - 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...
    1 Expert Answer

28. Is rapid memory loss a sign of Alzheimer's?

    Question - 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...
    1 Expert Answer

29. Is wanting to "go home" part of Alzheimer's, even if the patient is at home?

    Question - 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...
    1 Expert Answer, 5 Community Answers

30. As a husband, what financial steps should I take to both protect my wife as she progresses through the steps of Alzheimer's and myself?

    Question - Illnesses such as Alzheimer's that necessitate long term care can be devastating for a family's finances. The "healthy" spouse is faced with the prospect of high out-of-pocket expenses for medical and personal care for the ill spouse, while still paying for his own living expenses. It is frightening to see how quickly assets can be spent down...
    1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

31. Is repetition a sign of early Alzheimer's?

    Question - Hello lovinlife3,
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32. Is it normal for my grandfather, who has Alzheimer's and dementia, to be acting inappropriately towards other people?

    Question - 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...
    1 Expert Answer, 3 Community Answers

33. What are the 7 stages of Alzheimer's?

    Question - When does Sundowning come in? What stage? My husband is declining faster all the time. He can't find his seat belt now, and I have to help him, and he is getting weaker all the time. He quit taking his meds for me, but the Dr. talked to him and told him he had to take them, so today he did. He still dresses himself and keeps himself clean...
    2 Community Answers

34. Is drug therapy the way to get Mom over the grief of losing her beloved dog?

    Question - Before using a medication, it might be useful to have your mother involved in activities that would distract her from her mourning. It might be especialy useful if a staff member brought his/her dog to visit with her. If these non-pharmacological interventions are not successful, Zoloft would be a good medication to try...
    1 Expert Answer

35. How quickly can Alzheimer's progress?

    Question - 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...
    1 Expert Answer, 1 Community Answer

36. Is brain shrinking an Alzheimer's diagnosis?

    Question - "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...
    1 Expert Answer

37. Can chemo worsen Alzheimer's?

    Question - Please answer this question, we are desperate. My father is being treated for colon cancer and has had some success but his Alzheimer's seems to be progressing rapidly. What are the effects, exactly, on an Alzheimer's brain getting chemo? We need to weigh it all but can't unless we are more informed...

38. Which Alzheimer's symptoms get worse over time?

    Question - Your mother-in-law is probably approaching the advanced stage of Alzheimer's disease. Her symptoms will become more debilitating as the disease progresses. Her difficulty swallowing may be the first acute symptom you will face. Make sure everyone who cares for her learns what to do if she chokes...
    1 Expert Answer, 2 Community Answers

39. Is it possible to recover from the last stage of Alzheimer's disease?

    Question - She may still improve. The older we are, the longer it takes our bodies to recuperate from trauma. In the meantime, I stand by my advice on exercise, nourishment and keeping her spirit up - and the color red.
    2 Expert Answers, 2 Community Answers

40. What it a person's life expectancy if they have late stage Alzheimer's?

    Question - It is impossible to provide prognosis for your mother because Alzheimer's disease does not cause death itself; death is caused by complications, most often pneumonia, and it is impossible to predict when she might develop such a complication...
    1 Expert Answer

41. Can you transfer power of attorney for Alzheimer's patient in late stages?

    Question - You raise a good point, The Caregiver's Voice. Those who make powers of attorney have the option of naming an alternate to serve as agent should the primary agent be unable or unwilling to serve. In such situations, if the primary agent voluntarily steps down, the back-up can be empowered as agent; the...
    2 Expert Answers, 4 Community Answers

42. Is it common for a patient in the late stages of Alzheimer's to still know everyone?

    Question - It is uncommon for someone in the late stages of Alzheimer's disease to know their friends and families. Be thankful!
    1 Expert Answer, 8 Community Answers

43. How can I best communicate with someone who is in the late stages of Alzheimer's?

    Question - Communication in the late stage of Alzheimer's is a challenge. I think you are doing the right thing but do stop if she becomes frustrated with trying to get you to understand. Showing items as a clue is perfect and I would only keep asking questions if you think she is uncomfortable or in pain...
    1 Expert Answer, 3 Community Answers

44. What do I do to shut my M-i-L up?

    Question - I know this is a really harsh question, however, mam's constant 'vocalising' is driving us crazy. She is in late stage Alzheimer's, is deaf and cannot form words, doesn't understand what we say to her and who we are. When she comes home from her Activity Centre she starts wailing (the childlike ghost...