Stages of Memory Loss and Alzheimer's Disease

|   Help from the Alzheimer's Association

Many adults begin experiencing changes in memory skills as early as age 50. But these changes do not necessarily indicate a decline. As a normal part of aging, the brain simply begins functioning differently. Many people who recognize this and learn to adapt gain increased confidence in their own abilities, and their memory remains strong into their 70s and beyond..

Minor changes in memory and thinking don't affect daily functioning or the ability to live independently. What’s the difference between normal age-related forgetfulness and Alzheimer’s Disease? Here are five examples:

1. Normal forgetfulness: You might forget part of an experience or certain details.
   Alzheimer s symptom: You may not be able to recall the experience at all.
2. Normal forgetfulness: The information will probably come back to you later.
   Alzheimer's symptom: The information doesn’t come back.
3. Normal forgetfulness: You can usually follow instructions (verbal or written) without difficulty.
   Alzheimer's symptom: Over time, you are less able to understand and follow instructions.
4. Normal forgetfulness: Writing notes to yourself or using other memory aids is helpful.
   Alzheimer's symptom: Memory aids begin to have less meaning and minimal results.
5. Normal forgetfulness: You can still take care of your own personal hygiene (bathing, dressing, grooming, etc.).
   Alzheimer's symptom: You lose an awareness of the importance of these tasks, and you lose the ability to complete them.

Memory and speech problems are among the early symptoms of Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia. Though the Alzheimer's experience is different for every person and family who goes through it, most experts identify three stages of the disease:

Early stage:
In the early stages of Alzheimer's many people can still handle finances, carry on conversations, read and write, navigate through familiar surroundings, and recognize people and places. But they may begin exhibiting the following symptoms:

• Loss of recent memories
• Inability to learn new information
• Avoidance of unfamiliar situations
• Difficulty with planning and comprehension
• Language limitations

Middle stage:
People in the middle stages of Alzheimer's may clearly remember people and events from long ago, and they can carry out familiar social interactions such as greetings and small talk. They can walk and move without difficulty, and they can make simple decisions that involve limited choices. But you will probably notice symptoms such as:

• Difficulty writing and using familiar objects
• Difficulty speaking or "finding the right word"
• Increased likelihood of falling
• Increased agitation
• Difficulty with basic activities of daily living
• Occasional delusions
• Repetitive actions
• Wandering and getting lost

Late stage:
As the disease progresses to the advanced stages, Alzheimer's victims may continue to interpret body language and use nonverbal cues to express themselves. They will also continue to enjoy sensory experiences – sounds, smells, tastes, sights, and touch. But they will begin to experience the following symptoms:

• Dependence on caregivers
• Confusion in long-term memory
• Loss of language skills
• Inability to recognize people
• Bowel and bladder incontinence

Information brought to you by the Providence Research & Education Institute