Alzheimer’s disease typically progresses slowly in three stages:

1. Early (Mild)
2. Middle (Moderate)
3. Late (Severe)

Since Alzheimer’s affects people in different ways, each person may experience dementia symptoms — or progress through the stages — differently. The symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease worsen over time, although the rate at which the disease progresses vary. On average, a person with Alzheimer’s lives four to eight years after diagnosis, but can live as long as 20 years, depending on other factors. Changes in the brain related to Alzheimer’s begin years before any signs of the disease. This time period, which can last for years, is referred to as preclinical Alzheimer’s disease.
The stages below provide an overall idea of how abilities change once symptoms appear and should only be used as a general guide. (Dementia is a general term to describe the symptoms of mental decline that accompany Alzheimer’s and other brain diseases.)
The stages are separated into three categories: mild Alzheimer’s disease, moderate Alzheimer’s disease and severe Alzheimer’s disease. Be aware that it may be difficult to place a person with Alzheimer’s in a specific stage as stages may overlap.

Early-Stage Alzheimer’s (Mild) : In the early stage of Alzheimer’s, a person may function independently. He or she may still drive, work and be part of social activities. Despite this, the person may feel as if he or she is having memory lapses, such as forgetting familiar words or the location of everyday objects.
Symptoms may not be widely apparent at this stage, but family and close friends may take notice and a doctor would be able to identify symptoms using certain diagnostic tools.
Common difficulties include:

• Coming up with the right word or name.
• Remembering names when introduced to new people.
• Having difficulty performing tasks in social or work settings.
• Forgetting material that was just read.
• Losing or misplacing a valuable object.
• Experiencing increased trouble with planning or organizing.​

During the early stage, it’s possible for people with dementia to live well by taking control of their health and wellness, and focusing their energy on aspects of their life that are most meaningful to them. In addition, this is the ideal time to put legal, financial and end-of-life plans in place because the person with dementia will be able to participate in decision-making.

Middle-Stage Alzheimer’s (Moderate) :  This is typically the longest stage and can last for many years. As the disease progresses, the person with Alzheimer’s will require a greater level of care.
During the middle stage of Alzheimer’s, the dementia symptoms are more pronounced. the person may confuse words, get frustrated or angry, and act in unexpected ways, such as refusing to bathe. Damage to nerve cells in the brain can also make it difficult for the person to express thoughts and perform routine tasks without assistance.

Symptoms, which vary from person to person, may include:

• Being forgetful of events or personal history.
• ​Feeling moody or withdrawn, especially in socially or mentally challenging situations.
• Being unable to recall information about themselves like their address or telephone number, and the high school or college they attended.
• Experiencing confusion about where they are or what day it is.
• Requiring help choosing proper clothing for the season or the occasion.
• Having trouble controlling their bladder and bowels.
• Experiencing changes in sleep patterns, such as sleeping during the day and becoming restless at night.
• Showing an increased tendency to wander and become lost.
• Demonstrating personality and behavioral changes, including suspiciousness and delusions or compulsive, repetitive behavior like hand-wringing or tissue shredding.

In the middle stage, the person living with Alzheimer’s can still participate in daily activities with assistance. It’s important to find out what the person can still do or find ways to simplify tasks. As the need for more intensive care increases, caregivers may want to consider respite care or an adult day center so they can have a temporary break from caregiving while the person living with Alzheimer’s continues to receive care in a safe environment.

Late-Stage Alzheimer’s (Severe) : In the final stage of the disease, dementia symptoms are severe. Individuals lose the ability to respond to their environment, to carry on a conversation and, eventually, to control movement. They may still say words or phrases, but communicating pain becomes difficult. As memory and cognitive skills continue to worsen, significant personality changes may take place and individuals need extensive care.

• Require around-the-clock assistance with daily personal care.
• ​Lose awareness of recent experiences as well as of their surroundings.
• Experience changes in physical abilities, including walking, sitting and, eventually, swallowing
• Have difficulty communicating.
• Become vulnerable to infections, especially pneumonia.

The person living with Alzheimer’s may not be able to initiate engagement as much during the late stage, but he or she can still benefit from interaction in ways that are appropriate, like listening to relaxing music or receiving reassurance through gentle touch. During this stage, caregivers may want to use support services, such as hospice care, which focus on providing comfort and dignity at the end of life. Hospice can be of great benefit to people in the final stages of Alzheimer’s and other dementias and their families.

At The Village at Sugar Land we offer customized individualized programs to our Memory Care Residents, which keeps them busy and boost their memory also. 
Contact us at [email protected] or call 281-729-8800

Source: https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/stages

What is Alzheimers?
Alzheimer’s is a form of dementia, a serious brain disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. The disease, which currently has no cure, slowly causes a person’s memory and brain functions to deteriorate, leading to disability and death.
It is estimated that around 50 million people are living with dementia globally, and the number is projected to reach 82 million by 2030. The burden of care for people with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia falls on their families and caregivers. It can be both emotionally and physically demanding, often leading to depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.

Signs of Alzheimers:
It is important to understand the warning signs of Alzheimer’s, its effects, and the resources available for families and caregivers. Early diagnosis can help people to access treatments that may slow the progress of the disease and improve their quality of life.
People with Alzheimer’s are usually diagnosed in their mid-60s and beyond, and the condition affects different people in different ways. Early signs may include memory loss and difficulty with language, decision-making, and understanding. As the disease progresses, people lose their ability to care for themselves and often require full-time care.Memory problems are typically one of the first signs of the disease. Decline in non-memory aspects of cognition, such as finding the right word, trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships, and impaired reasoning or judgment, may also signal the early stages of Alzheimer’s. As the disease progresses, symptoms become more severe and include increased confusion and behavior changes.

Fortunately, research into Alzheimer’s is ongoing, and there is hope that treatments and even a cure may one day be found. In the meantime, support and understanding for those living with the disease and their caregivers is essential.

Learn more about how our Memory Care residents live with purposeful joy here at The Village at Sugar Land. Contact us [email protected] or call 281-729-8800 

Looking for a Memory Care Facility for your loved one? If your loved one is dealing with memory loss, you may be wondering if a move to a memory care facility is the right decision. There are a number of factors to consider when making this decision, and it’s important to consult with your loved one’s doctor and other trusted advisors to ensure that you’re making the best possible choice.

There are definitely some advantages to moving to a memory care facility. For one thing, these facilities are designed specifically for people with memory loss, so they can provide a higher level of care than most general nursing homes. They also offer a variety of activities and programs specifically designed to help residents maintain their mental faculties and improve their quality of life.

Of course, there are also some potential downsides to moving to a memory care facility. One is that it can be expensive, and you’ll need to make sure that your loved one’s insurance will cover the cost. Additionally, there may be a period of adjustment as your loved one gets used to their new surroundings and care regimen.

Ultimately, whether or not moving to a memory care facility is the right decision for your loved one is something that only you can decide. However, it’s important to weigh all the pros and cons carefully before making a decision. With the right level of care and support, your loved one can definitely benefit from living in a memory care facility. 

Tips that Help Caregivers Manage Sleep Problems in People with Alzheimer’s

1. Exercise is important each day, limit naps, and make sure the person gets enough rest at night. Being overly tired can increase late-afternoon and nighttime restlessness.
2. Plan activities that use more energy early in the day. For example, try bathing in the morning or having the largest family meal in the middle of the day.
3. Set a quiet, peaceful mood in the evening to help the person relax. Keep the lights low, try to reduce the noise levels, and play soothing music if he or she enjoys it.
4. Try to have the person go to bed at the same time each night. A bedtime routine, such as reading out loud, also may help.
5. Limit caffeine.
6. Use nightlights in the bedroom, hall, and bathroom.