Alzheimer’s Stages in Illinois

What are the 7 stages of Alzeihmer’s?

• No Impairment: No memory loss or symptoms.
• Very Mild Decline: Slight memory loss; similar to normal memory loss.
• Mild Decline: Start of memory and cognitive problems.
• Moderate Decline: Clear symptoms of Alzheimer’s.
• Moderately Severe Decline: Loss of important personal information.
• Severe Decline: Need for frequent caregiver services
• Very Severe Decline: Close to death.

AsDementia Caregivers in Chicagomay tell you, Alzheimer’s is not always expected. While the risk of developing Alzheimer’s increases after the age of 65, it is still possible for those in their 40s and 50s to be diagnosed with an early form of the disease.

No Impairment

In this stage, no form of Alzheimer’s is detectable. This is no memory loss or symptoms of dementia evident.

Very Mild Decline

The patient may start to experience minor memory problem in this stage. They may begin to lose things around the house. However, the memory loss they experience is considered to be normal and look similar to common forgetfulness. Thus, the patient will still do well in memory test. In fact, loved ones and physicians may not even be able to detect the disease yet in this stage.
Mild Decline

It is in this stage where memory and cognitive problem should start to raise a few concerns. This is where physicians will be able to see signs of the disease and family and friends begin to become concerned.

Patients in this stage will experience difficulty in the following:

• Finding the right words.
• Remembering names.
• Planning Keep track of personal possessions.

Moderate Decline

In this stage, the symptoms of Alzheimer’s start to become very clear. Patients in this stage will start to have difficulty with the following:

• Simple math.
• Remembering life events.
• Maintaining short term memory.
• Managing finances and bills.

Moderately Severe Decline

It’s in the fourth stage of Alzheimer’s where patients would begin to be in need of daily help. This could be from their friends or family, but it is highly recommended to look for dementia caregivers. Chicago residents are lucky since they have the best professionals in the industry.

Patient in this stage experience the following:

Alarming levels of confusion. Memory loss of important information, such as phone number, address, ID numbers, etc. Hard time dressing up appropriately for occasions.

However, there are some patients in this stage that can still maintain some functionality. They can usually still bathe and use the toilet without the need for help. Also, they still know the very important details such as the name of their family members and personal history.

Severe Decline

While the previous stage is where family members should consider hiring the best dementia caregivers in Chicago for their loved ones, this stage is where it is almost mandatory. If not daily, then at least frequent visit from these caregivers would do them good. Regardless of who is in charge of taking care of the patient, what’s important is that the latter must have constant supervision. The symptoms of this stage include the following:

• Loss of the sense of surroundings.
• Extreme confusion.
• Big personality changes.
• Behavior problems.
• Need for assistance in bathing and going to the toilet.
• Inability to remember most events in personal lives.
• Inability to control the bowel and bladder.
• Aimless wandering.

Very Severe Decline

Because Alzheimer’s is a terminal sickness, the final stage is where they lose nearly all ability to react to the things happening around them. They may still be able to speak, but only in words and phrases. Also, they have no idea of what is happening to them. Lastly, they will especially need the assistance of the best dementia caregivers in Chicago every day, when they reach the point where they forget to swallow.

Key Takeaway

By knowing the symptoms of each stage, you can identify what stage your loved one is in. From there you can decide if you will hire dementia caregivers from Chicago or not.