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Seven Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease, Causes and Cure
Alzheimer's disease is a brain disorder that gradually destroys memory and thinking skills. Over time, it affects a person's ability to carry out simple tasks. It is the most common cause of dementia among older adults. Symptoms usually develop slowly and worsen over time, leading to severe memory loss and confusion.
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Get A Second OpinionWhat Causes Alzheimer’s Disease?
- Like all types of dementia, Alzheimer’s is caused by brain cell death.
- It is a neurodegenerative disease, meaning there is progressive brain cell death over time.
- The total brain size shrinks with Alzheimer’s due to fewer nerve cells and connections.
Alzheimer's Disease Symptoms
Alzheimer's disease manifests through a range of symptoms, with some of the most prevalent indicators being:
- Memory Impairment: Difficulty recalling recent events, discussions, or scheduled appointments.
- Disorientation: Confusion regarding time and location, leading to getting lost in familiar settings.
- Language Difficulties: Challenges in articulating thoughts, frequent repetition, or struggles in following conversations.
- Task Management Issues: Difficulties in organizing or completing routine activities, such as cooking or handling finances.
- Questionable Judgment: Making unwise decisions, especially concerning financial matters or personal care.
- Emotional and Personality Changes: Heightened feelings of anxiety, depression, irritability, or withdrawal from social interactions.
- Decreased Initiative: A noticeable decline in interest towards previously enjoyed hobbies or activities.
- Visual and Spatial Challenges: Difficulty in assessing distances, recognizing familiar faces, or distinguishing colours.
If you or someone you are aware of is exhibiting these symptoms, it is crucial to seek evaluation and assistance from a healthcare professional.
Is There a Cure for Alzheimer’s Disease?
As of now, there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease. However, research is ongoing, and progress has been made in understanding the disease and developing treatments to manage its symptoms.
While there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease at present, treatments below are available to manage symptoms.
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Medications: There are medications available to manage symptoms and improve the quality of life for people with Alzheimer's. These include:
- Cholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil, rivastigmine, and galantamine)
- Memantine
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Lifestyle and Supportive Therapies: Non-drug approaches can also be effective in managing symptoms:
- Cognitive therapies can help improve mental function.
- Physical exercise along with healthy food is the best for brain health.
- Social engagement and activities can enhance the quality of life and emotional well-being.
The Seven Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer's disease develops slowly and gradually becomes serious over the years. There are seven stages associated with Alzheimer's disease that include;
Stage 1: No Impairment
- During this stage, Alzheimer’s disease isn't detectable; no memory problems or dementia symptoms.
Stage 2: Very Mild Decline
- Minor memory issues may arise, such as occasionally misplacing items or forgetting small details.
- Performance on memory tests remains generally strong, making symptoms hard to distinguish from regular age-related memory changes.
Stage 3: Mild Decline
At this stage, the friends and family members of the senior may begin to notice memory and cognitive problems. Performance on memory and cognitive tests are affected, and physicians will be able to detect impaired cognitive function. Patients in stage 3 will have difficulty in many areas, including:
- Difficulty finding the right words during conversations.
- Forgetting the names of new acquaintances.
- Challenges with planning and organization.
- Occasional loss of personal belongings, including valuable items. Physicians can now detect impaired cognitive function through tests.
Stage 4: Moderate Decline
Patients with stage four Alzheimer’s disease:
- Clear symptoms of Alzheimer’s become evident.
- Have difficulty with basic arithmetic.
- Forgetting recent events or details of personal history.
- Poor short-term memory, such as forgetting what was eaten for breakfast.
- Challenges in managing finances and paying bills.
Stage 5: Moderately Severe Decline
People in stage five of the disease may experience:
- Individuals require assistance with many daily activities, experiencing:
- Significant confusion, particularly regarding time and place.
- Inability to recall simple personal details, like their own phone number.
- Difficulty dressing correctly without help.
- Despite challenges, they can often manage basic self-care tasks like bathing and using the toilet and retain some memory of family and youth.
Stage 6: Severe Decline
Patients with the sixth stage of Alzheimer’s disease need constant supervision and frequently require professional care. Symptoms include:
- Severe confusion or lack of awareness of surroundings.
- Major personality changes and potential behaviour issues.
- Dependence on others for activities like toileting and bathing.
- Difficulty recognizing faces, except for close relatives and friends.
- Loss of bowel and bladder control and tendency to wander.
Stage 7: Very Severe Decline
This is the final stage of Alzheimer’s disease. Because Alzheimer’s disease is a terminal illness, patients in stage seven are nearing death. Where;
- Need for more ability to respond to the environment or communicate effectively.
- Uttering words or phrases without understanding their meaning.
- Total dependence on others for all daily activities, including feeding and toileting.
- Swallowing difficulties may lead to complications like pneumonia.
Conclusion
Alzheimer's disease is a challenging and progressive condition that profoundly affects both patients and their loved ones. Understanding its stages, from mild symptoms in the early phases to severe cognitive and physical decline in the later stages, is crucial for effective care and management.
If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms, consult a Neuro specialist for proper diagnosis and treatment options.
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Book an AppointmentFrequently Asked Questions
There is currently no cure for Alzheimer's disease. However, there are medications available that can temporarily reduce symptoms. Support services are also available to help individuals with the condition and their families cope with everyday challenges.
Alzheimer's disease is a brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills, eventually impairing the ability to perform simple tasks. In most people with the disease, symptoms first appear in their mid-60s (late-onset Alzheimer's).
On average, a person with Alzheimer's disease lives four to eight years after diagnosis. However, some may survive up to 20 years, depending on various factors. Changes in the brain related to Alzheimer's begin years before symptoms appear.
The primary cause of death in Alzheimer's patients is often a secondary infection, most commonly pneumonia. In healthy individuals, bacterial infections are typically treatable with antibiotics, but they can pose greater risks for those with Alzheimer's due to weakened immune systems.
Diagnosing Alzheimer's disease involves a thorough medical evaluation, including physical and neurological exams, cognitive tests, and sometimes brain imaging. Doctors may also review medical history and perform blood tests to rule out other potential causes of cognitive decline.
Alzheimer's disease can have early warning signs and symptoms, such as forgetting recent conversations or occurrences, having trouble solving problems, becoming disoriented in time or space, experiencing mood or behavioral changes, and having trouble doing routine chores.
Genetics can play a role in Alzheimer's disease. People with a family history of the condition are at a higher risk of developing it, but it's not solely determined by genetics. Environmental and lifestyle factors also contribute.
The high risk factor for Alzheimer's disease is getting older. Genetics, family history, particular genetic variants, a history of head trauma, cardiovascular risk factors, and lifestyle choices including food and exercise are additional risk factors.
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