Symptoms & Stages
The first symptoms of Alzheimer’s vary among individuals. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, there are 10 warning signs and symptoms that may signal the early stages of the disease:
- Memory loss that disrupts daily life
- Challenges with planning or problem solving
- Difficulty completing familiar tasks
- Confusion about time or place
- Trouble understanding visual images and special relationships
- New problems with speaking or writing
- Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
- Decreased or poor judgement
- Withdrawal from work or social activities
- Changes in mood or personality
Staff Tip: Encourage staff education about dementia symptoms and stages and the sharing of observations about changes in abilities or behaviors.
Did You Know?
According to the Alzheimer's Association:
- By 2050, the number of those with Alzheimer’s is projected to rise to nearly 153 million worldwide.
- 1 in 9 seniors aged 65 or older has Alzheimer's disease.
- 73% of those with Alzheimer's are 75 or older.
Patients will typically progress through three stages:
Early (or Mild): During this stage, symptoms are not widely apparent. Common signs include trouble coming up with the right word or name, difficulty performing tasks in social or work settings, or losing or misplacing objects.
Middle (or Moderate): This is typically the longest stage, sometimes lasting many years. Common signs at this point are forgetting events or personal history, being moody[SR1] or withdrawn, the inability to recall information about themselves, wandering or becoming lost.
Late (or Severe): Patients in this final stage require around-the-clock assistance with daily care. They lose awareness of recent experiences and surrounding, have difficulty communicating, and are vulnerable to infection.