Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis and stages.

Alzheimer’s disease begins slowly, even before symptoms show. Over time, patients, their friends and family start noticing changes like forgetting things, searching for words or changes in their personality. In its early years, signs of Alzheimer’s disease are often missed. As it gets worse, patients become less able to care for themselves.

When the patient visits the doctor, they will ask about these changes. They’ll ask when the symptoms started. The doctor will order tests to check thinking and memory skills and may also check balance, coordination and reflexes.

Blood tests and brain scans will be ordered to see if Alzheimer’s disease or something else (like a mini stroke) is causing the symptoms. For example, an MRI, CT or a PET scan may be done to check if the brain has shrunk or find signs of Alzheimer’s disease. Early diagnosis may give everyone more time to plan and to find support and resources.

Stages of Alzheimer’s disease:

• Pre-clinical stage. Changes happen in the brain in this stage, but patients don’t show any signs. Alzheimer’s disease is usually not diagnosed in this stage.
• Mild changes in memory and thinking (mild cognitive impairment). Patients can still go about their daily lives, but they start to forget things. They may not remember recent events. They may forget who they talked to or when their next doctor visit is scheduled.
• Mild dementia. In this stage, Alzheimer’s disease signs become clearer. Patients forget things more often or repeat themselves. They may have a hard time making decisions or saying what they want to say. Patients in this stage may start losing things or getting lost. This is also when personality changes may begin.
• Moderate dementia. Memory loss gets worse in this stage. Patients may forget where they are or what day it is. They need help taking care of themselves. Some people become distrustful or start hearing or seeing things that aren’t there. This is usually when patients need a caregiver for their safety.
• Severe dementia. In this stage, people can’t communicate and need a lot of help with their daily lives. Things like eating, getting dressed or using the bathroom need help from a caregiver. They need help walking and even sitting up. Over time, they can no longer swallow or control their bladder or bowels.

Each patient has their own experience with Alzheimer’s disease. Symptoms and how fast the disease progresses vary person to person.