If your parent or grandparent was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, you might be ready to make immediate lifestyle changes to help them feel comfortable. However, this unique condition doesn’t happen all at once—it develops slowly over time, and it’s different for everyone. If you want to learn more about what you can expect along the way, start with this brief dementia care guide.

Early Stage

During the first stage of Alzheimer’s, the disease is considered “mild.” This may be the phase at which you take your loved one to see a doctor, as they start to have concerning lapses in memory.

They might commonly forget where they put their medication, have trouble finishing sentences, or be unable to remember the names of new acquaintances. However, at this stage, they may still be able to keep their job, drive a car, and take care of themselves.

Moderate Stage

After the early stage, your loved one will enter the “moderate” phase of Alzheimer’s, and their brain cells will be subject to significant damage. As a result, you might notice them becoming withdrawn at family gatherings, forgetting events from their adult life, or getting irritable over everyday activities like bathing. As this stage can last for years, symptoms toward the latter end can be more severe—such as incontinence, wandering, and delusions.

Severe Stage

In the final stage of Alzheimer’s, your loved one’s brain will have been transformed by the condition, which can make them revert to many child-like behaviors. They may have trouble communicating with other people and recognizing loved ones they’ve known for years.

As the condition progresses, their brain may lose the ability to perform more automatic functions, such as walking and swallowing. Therefore, 24/7 dementia care is crucial if your loved one is in this advanced stage.

If you’re looking for a comfortable and inviting place for your senior loved one to receive the dementia care they need, contact Merry Heart Senior Care Services. This assisted living center has been caring for patients in Succasunna, NJ, since 1956, and they’ve evolved with the times to offer top-tier senior care. Whether your parent is experiencing mild Alzheimer's and maintaining an active lifestyle or needs 24/7 late-stage care, they can stay on-site throughout the years and find the help they need. To learn more about this nursing home, visit the website, or call (973) 584-4000 to speak with a representative.