Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSigns & SymptomsComplications & ComorbiditiesFinal ThoughtsNext in Alzheimer’s Disease GuideCauses and Risk Factors of Alzheimer’s Disease

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Table of Contents

Signs & Symptoms

Complications & Comorbidities

Final Thoughts

Next in Alzheimer’s Disease Guide

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Alzheimer’s diseaseis a brain disorder that can cause confusion, memory loss, and cognitive decline. It is the most common type ofdementia.

Alzheimer’sis a progressive, irreversible condition, which means that symptoms gradually go from mild to worse until the person cannot communicate or function independently. The progression of this condition is categorized into four main stages: pre-clinical stage, early stage, middle stage, and late stage.

Each person experiences the symptoms and progresses through the stages in their own way. However, knowing what each stage may involve can help family members and healthcare providers prepare and plan out care for a person withAlzheimer’s disease.

Can Alzheimer’s Disease Be Prevented?

Some doctors use different staging systems that reflect a progression from mild symptoms (or no symptoms) to severe symptoms. For instance, the Global Deterioration Scale (GDS) outlines seven stages of Alzheimer’s disease, ranging from unimpaired function to very severe cognitive decline.

People who have late-onset Alzheimer’s may start to see symptoms in their mid-60s; however, people withearly-onset Alzheimer’smay start to see symptoms as early as their 30s.

The Alzheimer’s Association uses four stages to mark the progression. While the symptoms in the initial stages can be mistaken for normal signs of aging (for example, it is normal to become a little more forgetful as we age), Alzheimer’s symptoms become much more severe with time. Below are the signs and symptoms of each stage:

Pre-Clinical Stage

This is the stage before any of the symptoms appear. Though the person may not show any outward signs of the disease, theirbrainmay have started shrinking, andplaques and tanglesare beginning to build up, creating the stage for disuprted cognitive function. These changes within the brain can sometimes start 10-15 years before any symptoms become apparent.

Early Stage

Early-stage Alzheimer’s has mild symptoms. The person may appear healthy but can often forget or struggle with some things. In the early stages, they may be aware of their forgetfulness or struggles and experience frustration. Loved ones like friends andfamily membersmay begin to notice little slips, too. The sense that something is wrong may come gradually in this stage.

These are some of the symptoms of early-stage Alzheimer’s as it progresses from Mild to Moderate:

What Are the Early Signs of Dementia?

Middle Stage

Middle-stage (mid-stage) Alzheimer’s has moderate symptoms. This stage can sometimes last for many years. The person may gradually be unable to work and require the assistance of a family member or caregiver.

The symptoms of mid-stage Alzheimer’s can include:

Some symptoms, like restlessness, agitation, anxiety, tearfulness, or the tendency to wander, can worsen in the second half of the day, i.e., between late afternoon and night. This is known assundowning.

Late Stage

Severe symptoms characterize late-stage Alzheimer’s disease. Often, the person is unable to respond or communicate. As a result, they may requirefull-time care and supervision. Toward the end, they may be in bed all the time.

The symptoms of late-stage Alzheimer’s can include:

The mid and late stages of Alzheimer’s can be particularly distressing for both the patient and the family andcaregivers. Therefore, it’s important to practice self-care, develop a support system you can rely on, and seek therapy if you need it.

Causes and Risk Factors of Alzheimer’s Disease

These are some of the complications and comorbidities associated with Alzheimer’s disease:

Study Finds Significant Differences in Dementia Based on Race and Ethnicity

It’s natural toforget thingsoccasionally, especially as you get older. For instance, you may forget where you’ve parked your car or a few details from an event. You keep losing your keys and your cell phone. You may even forget someone’s name and then remember it later.

With Alzheimer’s, however, you may forget what your car looks like or that an event took place. You may not be able to remember ever knowing a person.

If you’re frequently forgetful, you should inform your healthcare provider. They can review your symptoms and conduct tests in order to determine whether it’s due to the normal course of aging, a health condition like Alzheimer’s, or another health condition that is causing cognitive changes and memory loss.

How to Improve Memory Effectively

2 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Alzheimer’s Association.Stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Heart of America Chapter; 2018.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Stages of Alzheimer’s disease.Additional ReadingNational Institute on Aging.What are the signs of Alzheimer’s disease?Stanford Health Care.Alzheimer’s disease symptoms.

2 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Alzheimer’s Association.Stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Heart of America Chapter; 2018.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Stages of Alzheimer’s disease.Additional ReadingNational Institute on Aging.What are the signs of Alzheimer’s disease?Stanford Health Care.Alzheimer’s disease symptoms.

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Alzheimer’s Association.Stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Heart of America Chapter; 2018.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Stages of Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer’s Association.Stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Heart of America Chapter; 2018.

Johns Hopkins Medicine.Stages of Alzheimer’s disease.

National Institute on Aging.What are the signs of Alzheimer’s disease?Stanford Health Care.Alzheimer’s disease symptoms.

National Institute on Aging.What are the signs of Alzheimer’s disease?

Stanford Health Care.Alzheimer’s disease symptoms.

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