The Stages Of Alzheimer’s

The current medical literature considers that the causes of the appearance of Alzheimer’s disease are multiple and complex. Of these, the main risk factor that cannot be modified is age. The positive thing is that research on this pathology has not ceased in decades, which has made it possible to affirm that there are a series of stages of Alzheimer’s with regard to its diagnosis and evolution.

In this neurodegenerative disease, the cognitive and behavioral deterioration of the person suffering from it is characteristic. Its onset is usually insidious, that is, it is a  pathology that progresses slowly and gradually, so its symptoms are not obvious from the beginning . Its course is progressive and usually occurs in adults, mainly in the stage of old age.

Preclinical phase

This phase is supported by the evidence that the pathological process of this disease begins years before its clinical manifestation. Hence the insidious beginning to which we referred in the previous paragraph. Let’s think about the importance of this stage in order to discover treatments that can prevent further deterioration or even slow down its evolution.

Although it is the phase less studied so far, it is known that it is a state in which molecular alterations begin to occur that lead to a process of degeneration of neurons. However, these changes are still insufficient to cause symptoms. Therefore, with preclinical Alzheimer’s we refer to a phase in which the person is still asymptomatic.

Phases of Alzheimer’s

The stages that a patient with this disease goes through should be considered as a generic guide. This is because Alzheimer’s can affect each person differently.

Some may experience symptoms more or less intensely or simply go through these phases differently. Thus, once the disease is diagnosed, three phases of Alzheimer’s are distinguished:

Early stage (mild)

In this phase, the person can function autonomously and independently : they can run errands, participate in social events or work. However, you may start to feel like you are losing your memory because you forget some words you use regularly or spend time looking for everyday objects because you don’t remember where you left them the last time.

At this time, your closest environment may begin to notice your memory or concentration difficulties. And the doctor is capable of, based on clinical criteria, conclude that the disease may be beginning to manifest itself.

Middle stage (moderate)

This phase of Alzheimer’s is the longest, as it can last for many years. As those years progress, the person with it is likely to need more attention. This is because neuronal alterations make it difficult for the person to adequately express their thoughts or emotions and to carry out day-to-day tasks.

They are often in a bad mood, frustrated, or angry for no apparent reason. Also that their personality or behavior changes, so that they behave in unexpected ways (not wanting to shower, for example). In this phase it is common for the person to confuse words or not remember details of his life that have been especially important to him. For example, your phone number, the date of your wedding, the university you studied at, where you are, or what day and year it is.

All this increases the risk that you may lose track of time and space and, therefore, become disoriented or lost. This affects their need for a higher level of care from caregivers.

Final stage (serious)

The most serious phase of the disease greatly hampers the ability of these people to communicate with their environment. They may not be able to follow a conversation, articulate words, swallow, or control their body movements.

This means that they need continuous assistance to be able to carry out their activities of daily living, as well as hygiene and personal care. In the same way, your cognitive abilities deteriorate and your vulnerability to certain infections such as pneumonia increases.

Importance of early diagnosis

Life expectancy has increased in Spain in recent years, as has the quality of healthcare. Therefore, it is expected that in the near future there will be a higher prevalence of this type of neurodegenerative diseases.

In this sense, given that the stages of Alzheimer’s are already known, one of the current lines of research work is that of early diagnosis. The benefits that this would generate in the patient would be reflected on multiple levels. And they would have a direct impact on their quality of life, since the cognitive deterioration characteristic of this pathology would slow down.