Does your loved one have Alzheimer's? (Alzheimer's Disease) - Let's simply understand the stages of the disease

Have you noticed that your loved one, be it a parent, spouse or close friend, is slowly changing? Are you worried about forgetting things, changes in the way they speak, or changes in behavior? These things could be due to Alzheimer 's disease. This can be a very challenging situation. But if you are well-informed about how this disease progresses, that is, the stages of the disease, you will be able to provide the best support for your loved one. Let's talk about this.

Can the stages of Alzheimer's disease be accurately defined?

In fact, the stages of this disease cannot be neatly divided into mathematical boxes. The way symptoms manifest and the speed of progression of the disease can vary from person to person. However, doctors tell us about these stages as a guide to help us plan the care that the patient will need in the future.

The early signs may be very similar to the changes that occur with normal aging, but over time, these changes become more apparent.

Let's identify the stages of the disease one by one.

Alzheimer's disease is usually divided into seven stages. Let's take a look at what happens in each of these stages.

Stage 1: No outward symptoms

This is the quietest period of the disease. Even though the changes in the brain have been going on for years, there are no outward symptoms. Your loved one will behave completely normally. The only way to know if the disease is present at this stage is with a special scan called a ``PET ( Positron Emission Tomography )`` scan, which shows brain activity .

Stage 2: Very minor changes

At this stage, you may not notice any major changes. However, the patient may also begin to notice small changes in their memory. For example, difficulty remembering words, forgetting where an item is. These are so small that even a doctor may not notice them. These minor symptoms do not interfere with daily activities or living independently. Most importantly, they can also be signs of normal aging.

Stage 3: Mild deterioration

It is at this stage that you will begin to see clear changes in your loved one's thinking and reasoning abilities.

• Quickly forgetting something that was read.
• Asking the same question over and over again.
• Difficulty planning and organizing something.
• Difficulty remembering the names of new people you meet.

At times like this, you can be their "reminder." Pay their bills on time, remind them of their doctor's appointments, and help them reduce their stress by suggesting that they retire from their job and get their legal and financial affairs in order, if possible.

Stage 4: Moderate deterioration

The problems you saw in the third stage are now becoming clearer, and new problems are emerging.

• Forgetting one's own personal details (date of birth, address).
• Not being able to put the date and amount correctly when writing a check.
• Forgetting what month or season it is.
• Difficulty cooking a meal or choosing a dish from a hotel menu.
• Difficulty performing tasks that involve multiple steps (e.g., cleaning a house).

At this time, you can help with daily chores and ensure their safety. It is not at all appropriate to let someone drive at this stage. Also, be careful if someone is deceiving them financially.

Stage 5: Moderate to severe deterioration

By now, your loved one may be starting to forget where they are or what time it is. They may have difficulty remembering things like their address, phone number, and the school they went to. They may be confused about what clothes to wear for the day or the weather.

You can lay out the clothes he needs to wear in the morning. This will help him get dressed on his own and maintain some independence. If he asks the same question over and over again, answer in a patient, calm voice. He may be asking the question to make sure you are there rather than to know the answer.

Stage 6: Severe deterioration

As the disease progresses, your loved one may be able to recognize faces but forget names. They may even mistake one person for another (for example, thinking their wife is their mother). They may also have delusions , such as thinking they need to go to work even though they don't have a job right now.

At this stage, even going to the bathroom may require your help. Although talking may be difficult, you can connect with them through their senses. Alzheimer's patients love listening to music, reading books, and looking at old photos.

Stage 7: Severe deterioration (final stage)

This is the final stage of the disease. Even basic skills like eating, walking, and sitting up are gradually lost. You can feed them soft, easy-to-swallow foods, help them use a spoon, and make sure they drink enough water. This is very important, because many people in this stage don't feel thirsty.

At this stage, the patient needs a lot of help from caregivers. Many families, no matter how much they want to, may find themselves unable to care for the patient at home. In such cases, they may need to consider places like nursing homes that provide professional care around the clock.

The link between Alzheimer's and pneumonia

Pneumonia is common among patients with severe Alzheimer's disease. In fact, it is the leading cause of death in Alzheimer's patients. There are several possible reasons for this:

• Weakening of the body's immune system .
• Taking medications that affect the ability to fight infections, such as immunosuppressants.
• Having other illnesses that increase the risk of pneumonia, such as high blood pressure and diabetes mellitus.
• Severe pneumonia symptoms such as difficulty breathing.

Stages and duration of the disease

Keep in mind that these times may vary from person to person. These are just general guidelines.

What is the life expectancy after diagnosis?

On average, a person with Alzheimer's disease lives for 3 to 11 years after being diagnosed. However, some people can live for 20 years or more. This depends on the patient's age, overall health, and the care they receive.