Moderate Alzheimer’s Disease Symptoms

What Are The Stages Of Alzheimers Disease

Since Alzheimers disease is progressive and symptoms worsen over time, its often looked at in stages.

These are generally referred to as the early stage, middle stage and late stage. Symptoms typically are mild during the early stage, more moderate during the middle and severe during late-stage Alzheimers disease.

Exactly what a person experiences during each stage will differ, as will the length of time they remain in each stage. We do have medications that can slow the progression from stage to stage for some of the people we treat.

Alzheimers disease symptoms during these stages include cognitive, behavioral, and functional changes.

Medications For Cognitive Symptoms

No disease-modifying drugs are available for Alzheimers disease, but some options may reduce the symptoms and help improve quality of life.

Drugs called cholinesterase inhibitors can ease cognitive symptoms, including memory loss, confusion, altered thought processes, and judgment problems. They improve neural communication across the brain and slow the progress of these symptoms.

Three common drugs with Food and Drug Administration approval to treat these symptoms of Alzheimers disease are:

• donepezil , to treat all stages
• galantamine , to treat mild-to-moderate stages
• rivastigmine , to treat mild-to-moderate stages

Another drug, called memantine , has approval to treat moderate-to-severe Alzheimers disease. A combination of memantine and donepezil is also available.

Risk Factors For Alzheimers Disease

Risk factors which may increase your likelihood of developing Alzheimers disease include:

Age – Alzheimers disease is most commonly diagnosed in people over the age of 65, and your risk of developing the condition increases as you get older.

Genetics – Alzheimers disease has a known genetic factor. Researchers have found that people with an affected immediate family member are more likely to develop the condition themselves 6.

Gender – Gender is a very significant risk factor for Alzheimers disease, as around two thirds of people diagnosed with the condition are women 7.

Down Syndrome – People with Down Syndrome are far more likely to develop Alzheimers disease than people without this condition 8.

Head injuries – Certain types of head injuries may increase your risk of developing Alzheimers later in life 9.

Although not everyone who sustains a head injury will get Alzheimers disease, one study suggested that moderate-to-severe head injuries can more than double a persons risk of developing dementia 10.

Other lifestyle factors – Many vascular health conditions appear to increase a persons risk of developing Alzheimers11. Therefore, maintaining a healthy lifestyle may help to reduce the risk.

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Stage 4 Late Confusional/mild Alzheimers Disease

Mathematical challenges can cause problems handling finances. Increasingly, the person will forget recent events and conversations, although most people in this stage still know themselves and their family.

Problems carrying out sequential tasks, including cooking, driving, ordering food at restaurants, and shopping are common. The person often withdraws from social situations, becomes defensive, and denies any problems.

Duration: roughly 2 years.

What Do We Mean By Stages Of Dementia

There are many different types of dementia and all of them are progressive. This means symptoms may be relatively mild at first but they get worse with time, usually over several years. These include problems with memory, thinking, problem-solving or language, and often changes in emotions, perception or behaviour.

As dementia progresses, a person will need more help and, at some point, will need a lot of support with daily living. However, dementia is different for everyone, so it will vary how soon this happens and the type of support needed.

It can be helpful to think of there being three stages of dementia:

These are sometimes called mild, moderate and severe, because this describes how much the symptoms affect a person.

These stages can be used to understand how dementia is likely to change over time, and to help people prepare for the future. The stages also act as a guide to when certain treatments, such as medicines for Alzheimers disease, are likely to work best.

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Who Gets Alzheimers Disease

Anyone can develop Alzheimers disease, but it is more common in older age.

Genetics, lifestyle and health factors are associated with an increased risk of developing dementia.

In a few cases, Alzheimers disease is inherited, caused by a genetic mutation. This is called familial Alzheimers disease, with symptoms occurring at a relatively young age. This is usually when someone is in their 50s, but sometimes younger.

Can You Prevent Alzheimers Disease

There is no sure way to prevent Alzheimers disease. However, you can reduce the risk of Alzheimers disease by caring for your health:

• your heart whats good for your heart is good for your brain so stick to a healthy diet and dont smoke
• your body regular physical activity increases blood flow to the brain so maintain an active lifestyle
• your mind an active mind helps build brain cells and strengthens their connections so socialise, do things such as puzzles and crosswords, and learn new things, such as a language

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Signs Of Mild Alzheimers Disease

In mild Alzheimers disease, a person may seem to be healthy but has more and more trouble making sense of the world around him or her. The realization that something is wrong often comes gradually to the person and his or her family. Problems can include:

• Poor judgment leading to bad decisions
• Loss of spontaneity and sense of initiative
• Taking longer to complete normal daily tasks
• Repeating questions

• Increased sleeping
• Loss of bowel and bladder control

A common cause of death for people with Alzheimers disease is aspiration pneumonia. This type of pneumonia develops when a person cannot swallow properly and takes food or liquids into the lungs instead of air.

There is currently no cure for Alzheimers, though there are medicines that can treat the symptoms of the disease.

Understanding The Different Stages Of Alzheimers Disease

Understanding the different stages of Alzheimers can help you to track the progression of symptoms and plan appropriate care. However, its important to remember that everyone with Alzheimers disease progresses differently and there are steps you can take to slow the onset of symptoms at each stage.

Also, cognitive, physical, and functional phases often overlap, the time in each stage varies from patient to patient, and not everyone experiences all symptoms.

Two commonly used models of Alzheimers progression are the 3-stage model and 7-stage model.

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Other Conditions With Similar Symptoms

Early in the disease, Alzheimer’s usually doesn’t affect a person’s fine motor skills or sense of touch. So a person who has motor symptoms or sensory symptoms probably has a condition other than Alzheimer’s disease. Conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, for instance, may cause motor symptoms along with dementia.

Other conditions with symptoms similar to those of Alzheimer’s disease may include:

• Dementia caused by small strokes .
• Thyroid problems, such as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.
• Other problems such as kidney and liver disease and some infections such as HIV .

Medicines For Memory Problems

• Cholinesterase inhibitors treat symptoms of mental decline in people who have mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. They include donepezil, galantamine, and rivastigmine. Donepezil can be used to help those who have severe Alzheimer’s disease.
• Memantine treats more severe symptoms of confusion and memory loss.

These medicines may help improve memory and daily functioning for a period of time in some people who have Alzheimer’s disease. How well they work varies. They don’t prevent the disease from getting worse.

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Moderate Symptoms Of Ad

Eventually, AD spreads to more regions of the brain. Family and friends may recognize changes in your thinking and behavior before you do. Sometimes, its hard to identify memory problems in ourselves. But as the disease progresses, you may recognize telltale symptoms in yourself, such as confusion and a shorter attention span. As more of your brain cells die, youll begin to show signs of moderate AD, which include:

• problems recognizing friends and family members
• difficulty with language and problems with reading, writing, or working with numbers
• difficulty organizing thoughts and thinking logically
• inability to learn new tasks or to cope with new or unexpected situations
• inappropriate outbursts of anger

• groaning, moaning, or grunting
• difficulty swallowing

Due to the loss of physical function, people with late-stage AD may deal with complications. Difficulty swallowing can result in inhaling liquids into the lungs, which increases the risk of pneumonia. They may also suffer from malnutrition and dehydration. Limited mobility also increases the risk of bedsores.

There are other causes of dementia with symptoms similar to AD. A doctor conducts physical and neurological examinations and uses brain imaging technology to diagnose or rule out AD. The following list of neurodegenerative diseases can mimic AD:

Other possible causes of dementia include:

• medication side effects

Treatment For Alzheimer’s Disease

At this stage, there is no cure and no treatment that can stop the Alzheimers disease progressing.Medications are available that can help to stabilise or slow the decline in memory and thinking abilities for a time, such as cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine. Other medications are available that might help with secondary symptoms like depression, anxiety and sleep disturbances.It is important to remember that all medications have side effects. People with Alzheimers disease may take a number of medications and your doctor can help you to understand how the different medications might interact with each other.Non-medication therapies, staying active and socially connected, as well as managing stress, can help people with Alzheimers disease. Education and professional support are important for people with Alzheimers disease and their families and carers.

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What Is Alzheimers Disease

Alzheimers disease is a condition which affects your brain, resulting in a gradual deterioration of your cognitive skills.

Its classed as a type of dementia, a term described as symptoms resulting in an eventual decline of mental abilities, such as memory loss.

Alzheimers is more common in individuals over the age of 65. However, it can also occur in younger people.

What Are Early Symptoms Of Alzheimers Disease

At this stage, you or your loved ones might notice subtle symptoms. However, these changes can be both frustrating and concerning.

Some common early-stage Alzheimers symptoms include:

• Forgetting names of new people you meet
• Struggling to find the right word at times
• Losing items or putting them in not usual places
• Forgetting what you just read
• Having difficulty performing tasks in social or work settings
• Experiencing increased trouble with planning or organizing

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Taking Care Of Yourself

• If your doctor gives you medicines, take them exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine. You will get more details on the medicines your doctor prescribes.
• Eat a balanced diet. Get plenty of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables every day. If you are not hungry at mealtimes, eat snacks at midmorning and in the afternoon. Try drinks such as Boost, Ensure, or Sustacal if you are having trouble keeping your weight up.
• Stay active. Exercise such as walking may slow the decline of your mental abilities. Try to stay active mentally too. Read and work crossword puzzles if you enjoy these activities.
• If you have trouble sleeping, do not nap during the day. Get regular exercise . Drink a glass of warm milk or caffeine-free herbal tea before going to bed.
• Ask your doctor about support groups and other resources in your area. They can help people who have Alzheimer’s disease and their families.
• Be patient. You may find that a task takes you longer than it used to.
• If you have not already done so, make a list of advance directives. Advance directives are instructions to your doctor and family members about what kind of care you want if you become unable to speak or express yourself. Talk to a lawyer about making a will, if you do not already have one.

Symptoms Of Mild Cognitive Impairment

Some people have a condition called mild cognitive impairment, or MCI. It can be an early sign of Alzheimers. But, not everyone with MCI will develop Alzheimers disease. People with MCI can still take care of themselves and do their normal activities. MCI memory problems may include:

• Losing things often
• Forgetting to go to events or appointments
• Having more trouble coming up with words than other people the same age

Learn more about Alzheimer’s disease from MedlinePlus.

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Very Mild Impairment Or Common Forgetfulness

Alzheimers disease mainly affects older adults over the age of 65. At this age, its common to have slight functional difficulties such as forgetfulness.

But for people with stage 2 Alzheimers, this decline will happen more quickly than it will for similarly aged people without Alzheimers. For example, a person may forget familiar words, a family members name, or where they placed something.

Caregiver support: Symptoms at stage 2 wont interfere with work or social activities. Memory troubles are still very mild and may not be apparent to friends and family.

Alzheimers Disease And Gender

Women are significantly more likely to develop Alzheimers than men and and dementia affects twice as many women as men worldwide 21.

1″Alzheimer’s Disease Fact Sheet | National Institute on Aging.” .

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4″Alzheimer’s disease – Causes – NHS.” .

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Facts About Alzheimer Disease

Alzheimer disease is becoming more common as the general population gets older and lives longer. Alzheimer disease usually affects people older than 65. A small number of people have early-onset Alzheimer disease, which starts when they are in their 30s or 40s.

People live for an average of 8 years after their symptoms appear. But the disease can progress quickly in some people and slowly in others. Some people live as long as 20 years with the disease.

No one knows what causes Alzheimer disease. Genes, environment, lifestyle, and overall health may all play a role.

Alzheimers Disease Vs Mild Cognitive Impairment

Early dementia, also known as mild cognitive impairment , involves problems with memory, language, or other cognitive functions. But unlike those with full-blown Alzheimers, people with MCI are still able to function in their daily lives without relying on others.

According to the Alzheimers Association, about 15 to 20 percent of people over the age of 65 experience mild cognitive impairment. Many people with MCI eventually develop Alzheimers disease or another type of dementia. However, others plateau at a relatively mild stage of decline and are able to live independently. Some people with mild cognitive impairment even return to normal.

• Frequently losing or misplacing things.
• Frequently forgetting conversations, appointments, or events.
• Difficulty remembering the names of new acquaintances.
• Difficulty following the flow of a conversation.

It is not yet fully understood why MCI progresses to Alzheimers disease in some, while remaining stable in others. The course is difficult to predict, but in general, the greater the degree of memory impairment, the greater the risk of developing Alzheimers down the line.

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Treatment For Moderate To Severe Alzheimers

A medication known as memantine, an N-methyl D-aspartate antagonist, is prescribed to treat moderate to severe Alzheimers disease. This drugs main effect is to decrease symptoms, which could enable some people to maintain certain daily functions a little longer than they would without the medication. For example, memantine may help a person in the later stages of the disease maintain his or her ability to use the bathroom independently for several more months, a benefit for both the person with Alzheimer’s and caregivers.

Memantine is believed to work by regulating glutamate, an important brain chemical. When produced in excessive amounts, glutamate may lead to brain cell death. Because NMDA antagonists work differently from cholinesterase inhibitors, the two types of drugs can be prescribed in combination.

The FDA has also approved donepezil, the rivastigmine patch, and a combination medication of memantine and donepezil for the treatment of moderate to severe Alzheimers.

Alzheimer Disease Begins Long Before The First Symptoms

Alzheimers disease can begin a decade or more before the first symptoms. Despite a lack of outward evidence, changes are happening in the brain.

Researchers have identified a condition called mild cognitive impairment that in some but by no means all individuals may be the earliest indication of Alzheimers or another type of dementia.

MCI involves lapses in memory, language, thinking, and judgment that are noticeable to the person and his family and close friends yet are not serious enough to interfere with everyday life.

According the Alzheimers Association, approximately one-third of those with MCI develop dementia due to Alzheimers within five years.

Unfortunately, people with MCI who experience symptoms of memory loss or impairment are less likely to recognize their own difficulties than someone with MCI who does not experience such symptoms, which can lead to delays in diagnosis.

One of the highest priorities of Alzheimers research is understanding what happens inside the brain long before the first symptom. The hope is that these insights will lead to more effective treatments that slow or even prevent damage.

After the onset of symptoms, the disease progresses through three main stages: mild , moderate , and severe .

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