Finding Assistance During the Three Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease currently has no cure, making it a progressive disease in which the person diagnosed with the disease will continue to get worse. The time frame is different for everyone, usually from a few months to several years. As you begin your caregiving journey with this loved one who has Alzheimer’s disease, you won’t know exactly how long it’ll last, but you can count on needing more help as the disease progresses, and an Alzheimer’s care provider can assist you and your loved one.

The Three Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease and How You and Alzheimer’s Care Might Need Help

Each person will move through each stage differently and may have some areas of their health and functioning affected differently in each stage, but listed next are general outlines of how each stage may affect your loved one and what type of assistance from family or an Alzheimer’s care professional might be needed.

Mild Alzheimer’s Disease Symptoms

This is the stage when most patients are diagnosed with the disease. Some behaviors that family members may begin to notice in this stage are their loved one getting lost more easily, not being able to manage routine financial situations like paying bills, struggling to complete simple tasks, and forgetting important information.

Care Needs for the Mild Alzheimer’s Disease Stage

Many Alzheimer’s patients in this stage may still live in their own homes with regular visits and care from family. Family might help with transportation or paying bills each month. An Alzheimer’s care provider can come to the home and help with simple housecleaning chores. Setting appointment reminders on calendars and alarms can help them remember to perform certain actions when needed.

Moderate Alzheimer’s Disease Symptoms

During this stage, most patients need round-the-clock care and observation to keep them safe and healthy. The areas of the brain that control language, thoughts, reasoning, and even sensory input are damaged, making everyday decisions difficult for the person. The person may begin to forget familiar people and be unable to follow directions.

Care Needs for the Moderate Alzheimer’s Disease Stage

Having someone with your loved one at all times is important during this stage of the disease. They will probably need assistance from when they wake up until they go to bed each night. Someone will need to help them get dressed, eat each meal, get in some exercise, and take a bath or shower each night. Alzheimer’s care providers can visit during the day to help encourage social engagement or assist with meals or grooming.

Severe Alzheimer’s Disease Symptoms

The disease reaches its severe stage when the tangles and plaques in the brain have shrunk the brain so much that they lose the ability to for almost all daily functions on their own including eating and toileting. Many stop communicating altogether and might spend the majority of their day sleeping or sitting without any movement.

Care Needs for the Severe Alzheimer’s Disease Stage

While this usually signals that the end is near for the person with Alzheimer’s disease, he still should receive daily care to keep him clean, well-fed, and comfortable. An Alzheimer’s care provider can help the caregiver with washing and feeding, as well as provide the caregiver with a bit of respite by sitting with the person while they run a quick errand or take care of their personal needs.

Recruiting a good support team at the onset of the diagnosis can help a caregiver and a loved one transition more easily through each stage.

If you or an aging loved one is considering Alzheimer’s Care Services in Alpharetta GA, please contact the caring staff at CaraVita Home Care today. (770) 643-1712