The 3 Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease

By Fiona Sembiring | October 25, 2023

Alzheimer’s is a degenerative brain disease that impacts 1 in 10 people over the age of 65. Not only is it debilitating for individuals with the disease, Alzheimer’s can also be very hard on family members. Even without a cure, family members can take action by educating themselves on how to better take care of their loved ones by recognizing the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.

First things first, Alzheimer’s is not just memory loss. There are other symptoms that go hand in hand with the disease, such as forgetting words, having trouble performing tasks at work or home, having problems thinking, disorientation, misplacing items frequently, changes in mood or behavior, changes in personality, and poor judgment.

There are three stages of Alzheimer’s Disease - each with different signs, symptoms, and severities. The three stages are 1) Early Stage (Onset Period), 2) Middle Stage (Progressive Period), and 3) Late Stage (Terminal Period).

1. Early Stage - Onset Period

• Short attention span

• Poor concentration

• Forgetfulness 

• Issues with decision-making

• Changes in personality

• Depression

• Changes in sense of smell

2. Middle Stage - Progressive Period

• Behavioral problems

• Getting lost in familiar places

• Shadowing or following people around

• Shuffling while walking

• Stooped posture

• Difficulty speaking

• Wanting to put items in the mouth

• Trouble with following directions

• Issues with sleeping

3. Late Stage - Terminal Period

• Cannot walk

• Loss of balance

• Limited to the bed or is bedridden

• Weight loss

• Inability to perform basic skills

• Loss of short and long-term memory

• Loss of speech and the ability to talk

• Failure to recognize self or others

At Samaritan Senior Care, we believe in providing transparent and personalized support to help you navigate the difficulties of Alzheimer’s disease. Our dedicated team is committed to assisting you every step of the way, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the necessary standard and quality of care involved.

For more information and personalized guidance on in-home care services, reach out to Samaritan Senior Care today. Our experts are here to address your concerns and provide you with the necessary information to make well-informed decisions that prioritize the well-being of your loved ones.

*All content and information on our website is created for informational purposes only. The information presented does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult an appropriate professional for advice related to your specific situation.