Alzheimer’s disease is a condition that not only impacts the person afflicted, but it also affects the rest of the family as well. Understanding this illness ensures your loved one receives the right kind of senior care, such as securing placement in a kind and compassionate assisted living community.

The 7 Stages of Alzheimer’s Explained

Stage 1

Stage 1 of Alzheimer’s disease is undetectable. This is because evidence of cognitive decline doesn’t usually appear until later. 

Stage 2

Your loved one may become more forgetful, but these chances are often attributed to a normal aspect of aging. Even medical professionals won’t be able to detect signs of cognitive issues during this stage. 

Stage 3

Most family members start to notice issues in stage 3. Along with memory problems, many people will have trouble choosing the right words, performing basic tasks, and finding their way back home at this point. By this stage, the family should be looking into more advanced senior care options.

Stage 4

Problems will become more pronounced once early stage 4 dementia begins. Managing finances, bathing and grooming, shopping, and paying bills will be far more difficult. As a result, many people begin withdrawing from family and friends due to cognitive issues. Denial is common at this stage.

Stage 5

This stage brings major issues with memory and daily activities. A person may forget where they live, the month and year, their family members’ names, and their phone number. In-depth senior care—such as help taking medication, performing hygienic activities, and household chores—is crucial at this stage.

Stage 6

Cognitive decline is accompanied by physical effects during stage 6. This includes incontinence issues, such as problems regulating bladder and bowel functions. A person may also find it difficult to communicate and may even be subject to delusional thoughts. 

Stage 7

A person often loses all ability to communicate and may also have walking impairments. These impairments are so severe that many people with Alzheimer’s are unable to care for themselves during the later stages. As a result, 24/7 assistance is usually needed by this stage. 

The team at Meadowthorpe Assisted Living and Memory Care understand how hard it is to watch your loved one progress through the stages of Alzheimer’s. That is why these senior care professionals go above and beyond to create a safe, secure, and compassionate nursing home where all of your loved one’s needs are met. The staff customizes the treatment plan to each person, ensuring their passions, interests, and hobbies remain at the forefront during their stay. Call (859) 878-1300 to enroll your loved one in this Lexington, KY, assisted living facility. You can also visit the website for more information on memory care.