What To Expect as Dementia or Alzheimer’s Progresses
If someone you love has been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, their doctor might have mentioned that these conditions are progressive. Knowing what to expect in the coming weeks, months, and years can help you prepare and plan to ensure the best possible care for your loved one, especially as their care needs change. You may wonder what the stages of Alzheimer’s disease are and what symptoms you should be looking for.
We have created this guide, outlining the stages and symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, to give you more insight into the cognitive and behavioral changes individuals sometimes experience. It also provides helpful information on caregiving and strategies to manage evolving care needs, including seeking professional help, such as respite care or memory care communities like the ones available at BridgeWater Assisted Living.
Are Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease the Same Thing?
First, it’s essential to understand that dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are overlapping terms but not synonymous. Dementia is not a health condition but rather a term used to describe symptoms that occur because of physical changes in the brain that indicate cognitive decline interfering with daily living. Several different diseases or conditions can cause dementia. Alzheimer’s disease, for instance, is a specific disease that occurs in the brain and represents 60-80 percent of dementia cases.
Knowing whether dementia symptoms stem from Alzheimer’s disease or another source of changes in the brain can help with recognizing the types of symptoms to expect and the specific care that would be most beneficial.
Diagnosis of Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease
As with any other health condition, each individual might experience Alzheimer’s disease differently. Some stages might last longer, symptoms might come and go, and some might not be present at all. Thankfully, medical professionals are often able to diagnose dementia and Alzheimer’s disease early by looking for patterns of symptoms, conducting cognitive and neuropsychological tests, using brain scans, and requesting blood tests that can reveal biomarkers or other physical problems that might affect brain function.
Once diagnosed, individuals and families can begin to take advantage of appropriate management and treatment options, depending on the stage of the condition and the specific symptoms they might be experiencing.
What are the Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease?
Brain changes occur in the earliest or preclinical stage, but there are likely no outward symptoms. Because individuals would not be experiencing cognitive or behavioral symptoms, diagnosis of preclinical Alzheimer’s disease might occur when a brain scan is used as a diagnostic test for a different reason. Doctors might then also look for biomarkers like certain proteins in cerebrospinal fluid.
The next stage of Alzheimer’s disease is commonly known as the Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) stage. As the name suggests, individuals at this stage experience mild cognitive issues, such as lapses in memory, difficulty finding the right words to use in conversation, and forgetting names. These cognitive issues do not usually affect daily functioning, however.
Individuals with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease usually begin to have more difficulty with solving problems, organizing information, and planning (such as paying bills, following a recipe, or keeping appointments). Memory lapses increase, including forgetting recently learned information like conversations. At this stage, symptoms are more likely to interfere with daily activities and become more apparent to others.
Mid-stage Alzheimer’s disease is sometimes called moderate Alzheimer’s. As cognitive issues become more pronounced, the individual with mild Alzheimer’s disease might have occasional periods of confusion and anxiety and need some assistance with activities of daily living like bathing, grooming, and transportation. Communication might become more complicated, and your loved one might experience sleep disturbance and be more prone to wander.
Families managing symptoms at this stage often benefit from additional outside resources to help provide sufficient care. Although this stage can be challenging, many families can navigate those challenges effectively using in-home care options or memory care programs in their community.
Symptoms in the late stage of Alzheimer’s disease are generally quite pronounced. All of the symptoms mentioned above – memory loss, communication difficulties, confusion, requiring assistance with activities of daily living – are likely present at this point. Many families continue to provide full-time care, but long-term, residential, skilled nursing communities can provide wonderful options for individuals and their families.
Strategies to Help Manage Changing Care Needs
Depending on the stage and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease that your loved one is experiencing, the following are some helpful strategies to address their needs and yours.
Education and Resources
One of the best things you can do for yourself and your loved one is to learn as much as you can about the stages of Alzheimer’s disease, current research, treatment options, and support and care resources available. The Alzheimer’s Association has a wealth of information about the disease and support groups. Support groups are essential for both the individual with Alzheimer’s and for caregivers. Finding others in a similar situation can provide emotional support to address stress and caregiver burnout and give you a place to ask questions and get advice.
Focus on Routine
Establish a set schedule for meals, activities, and bedtime. Knowing what to expect can go a long way toward reducing anxiety and confusion. Keep joint calendars to track appointments and important dates. Set reminders on phones and watches to help with schedules.
Ensure Safety
You can take safety measures in the middle and later stages of the disease to protect safety and mobility, such as adding seating in the shower, grab bars for balance, and locks on medicine cabinets, doors, and windows can be added. Some GPS tracking devices are also helpful to prevent wandering.
Seek Professional Assistance
If you are a caregiver, it’s important to take care of yourself and your loved one. Talking to a counselor, joining a support group, and seeking out respite care options are all great ways to address emotional stress and avoid burnout and disrupted personal relationships.
Memory care communities can also be an excellent option for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and their families. Some of the many benefits include access to nutritious food, structured daily routines, 24/7 assistance with activities of daily living, cognitive therapy involving music and art, social activities, physical therapy and exercise programs, transportation, housekeeping, and more.
If you’re interested in exploring our memory care community, please contact BridgeWater Assisted Living to schedule a tour. We’d love to answer any questions you may have and show you how beautiful life can be at BridgeWater.