Alzheimer’s Disease Alzheimer’s is a very heart breaking disease. It can affect a family in so many ways. Many families have been affected by Alzheimer’s because it is becoming more and more common among the elderly. Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia that worsens over time. At this time, there is no cure for this disease, but many efforts are taking place to develop a cure. Early detection of the disease is very vital and does matter. There are many signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s that can help lead to early detection. The most common sign of the onset of Alzheimer's is difficulty remembering things especially information that has just been recently learned. Other signs of Alzheimer’s include disorientation, mood and behavior changes. Some events become very confusing to the individual. They can no longer remember certain details and specifics about certain events throughout their life. Another commons sign of Alzheimer’s is asking the same question over and over or repeating the same story word for word. As the disease progresses, the individual will forget recent events, conversations, appointments, and simple directions. Probably the worst of the symptoms is when the individual can no longer remember the name of family members, and forgets the everyday things such as what time it is, what television shows they are watching, or what they like to eat and drink. Early detection is vital sources say, “Early diagnosis and intervention methods are improving dramatically and treatment options and sources of support can improve quality of life” (“Alzheimer's Disease & Dementia”). There are seven different stages to the Alzheimer’s disease. Stage 1 is considered the no impairment stage. In this stage the patient has tests run by a doctor, but there aren’t any indications that any cognitive problems exist with the patient (“Alzheimer's Disease & Dementia”). The second stage of this disease is where some of the short term memory loss begins and is known as the very mild cognitive decline. In this stage, the every day objects become unfamiliar with the individual. Many who are in this stage feel as though it is a normal part of their aging due to memory lapses. However, stage two is still undetectable by a doctor or family and friends (“Alzheimer's Disease & Dementia”).
It is now, during the third stage, that family and friends are able to notice that something isn’t quiet right with their loved one. Stage three is considered the mild cognitive decline. The patient starts forgetting the names of family and friends, losing things, and forgetting stuff they have just been told (“Alzheimer's Disease & Dementia”).
Stage four is a moderate cognitive decline. At this point, a medical exam that includes a thorough interview by the doctor can identify many of the early symptoms of Alzheimer’s. During this stage the patient is forgetting more and more common things such as important life events, and they are no longer able to do many tasks that include planning or simple mathematics. During this stage the patient may also become moody and experience frequent mood changes for no apparent reasons (“Alzheimer's Disease & Dementia”).
Stage five is the moderate severe cognitive delay. This stage is where the individual begins to need help with day to day activities such as getting dressed and making decisions. In this stage, they become confused about where they are and confused about what day it is (“Alzheimer's Disease & Dementia”).
During stage six, the severe cognitive decline, the individual begins to forget their own identity and most of the familiar faces. Also in this stage, their sleep patterns become irregular, they lose control over their bladder, and they tend to wander and get lost (“Alzheimer's Disease & Dementia”).
The last stage of this disease, stage seven, is considered the very severe cognitive delay. At this stage individuals lose the ability to do most things. Sometimes they can still make