How Alzheimer’s progresses?

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disease that is presently incurable and without treatments that slow or stop its progression. Researchers continue to search for treatments, cures, and causes of the disease. Alzheimer’s is a form of dementia and accounts for the majority of reports of dementia.

Alzheimer’s disease is often already in motion long before symptoms become apparent to either the person with the condition or their family and friends. In its early stages, there are no noticeable symptoms. As symptoms become apparent, early-stage Alzheimer’s or mild Alzheimer’s may be diagnosed.

In early-stage Alzheimer’s, a person usually continues to live life independently, continue to work and continue with normal daily activities. They may begin to notice memory problems. Family and friends may also begin to notice problems, and at this stage, the condition can be diagnosed. Common symptoms at this stage are:

• Trouble planning tasks or carrying them out
• Difficulty in social settings
• Problems remembering names of people newly introduced
• Difficulty finding the right words
• Losing things

At this early stage, the changes in the brain are already well in motion. The first parts of the brain impacted by the changes in the brain caused by Alzheimer’s are the learning, memory, and thinking parts of the brain. The physical changes of the brain are thought to be caused by the build-up of proteins in the brain that interfere with the ability of the brain’s cells to communicate with one another and function normally.

Middle or moderate stage Alzheimer’s can last for a long time, and during this time, the person is likely to require additional care. Symptoms during this stage can involve:

• Mood swings
• Withdrawal from social situations
• Trouble identifying the correct season and appropriate attire for the season
• Issues with bladder and bowels, including controlling movements
• Confusion about place and time
• Inability to recall basic information like address
• Personality changes
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Becoming lost

Brain changes continue during the middle stage and involve the parts of the brain involved in speaking and understanding speech and the brain that perceives spatial relationships.

Late or severe stage Alzheimer’s is the final stage, and patients often become unable to respond to or engage with the environment around them. It may be hard to hold a conversation or even control motor movements. Extensive care is usually needed. Symptoms during this stage are often:

• Lose awareness of the environment
• Difficulty walking, sitting, swallowing
• Trouble communicating
• Weakened immune system
• Lose awareness of recent experiences

In the final stage of the disease, the brain’s cortex is severely damaged, and the brain has lost mass due to the ongoing death of brain cells.

Although Alzheimer’s is progressive, and treatments that will slow or stop the disease have not yet been developed, researchers continue to work towards a cure and treatments. At present, treatment involves symptom management and lifestyle changes.

If you need help with Alzheimer’s disease support or have questions about the condition, contact the Alzheimer’s Helpline at 1-800-272-3900.