The Seven Stages of Alzheimer’s
Click on a stage to learn more
no impairment
STAGE 1
STAGE 2
Very Mild Decline
STAGE 3
Mild Decline
STAGE 4
Moderate Decline
STAGE 5
Moderately Severe DECLINE
STAGE 6
Severe Decline
STAGE 7
Very Severe Decline
01
No impairment
1. You have no symptoms 2. Amyloid plaque in the brain may be present. The only way to detect the early pathology of Alzheimer's is through a blood test or scan 3. Exercise and diet can play a role in slowing down cognitive decline
Mediterranean Diet
Exercise
How Can You Tell the Difference Between Dementia and ‘Normal’ Aging?
Return
Next
01
No impairment
When is Forgetfulness a Sign of Disease? Alzheimer's vs. Normal Aging
Return
Next
02
Very Mild Decline
1. Beginning to notice memory problems or may have a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) 2. Symptoms can be losing items around the house 3. Still performs well on memory tests
Speak to a medical professional
Take a baseline cognitive test Talk to a medical professional to find out if you would benefit from enrolling in clinical trials
What Is Mild Cognitive Impairment? A Guide to Symptoms and Diagnosis
Return
Next
02
Very Mild Decline
The Challenges and Advances in Diagnosing Alzheimer's
Return
Next
03
Mild Decline
memory ISSUES
- Friends and family may notice your memory is getting worse
- Losing items, including valuables
- Loss of words during conversation
- Difficulty planning and organizing
Cognitive Tests
- Lower than baseline preformance may be noted on cognitive tests at this stage
Make a plan
- Consider documenting what is important to you with a letter or an audio or video recording
- Talk about long-term healthcare planning
- Thank your caregiver for the journey they are about to take with you
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Next
04
Moderate Decline
INCREASING MEMORY ISSUES
- Getting lost in familiar places
- Declining short-term memory
OTHER ISSUES
- Difficulty with simple arithmetic
- Trouble with managing finances
- Hard time following sequences like adhering to a recipe
RESOURCE: FA Step-By-Step Guide to Assembling a Dementia Caregiving Team
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05
Moderately Severe
prohibitive memory loss
- Inability to recall simple details like your phone number
- Losing track of current events like who current political leaders are
DISORIENTATION, MOTOR SKILLS
- Needs help with day-to-day activities like dressing
- Significant confusion
Read more: Navigating the Hallucinations and Delusions of Dementia: A BrainTalk with Dr. Erin Foff and Chris Schwilk
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Next
06
Severe Decline
COGNITIVE ISSUES
- Inability to recognize faces except close friends and relatives
- Major personality changes
NEED for constant care
- Need for daily living assistance, including eating, toilet and bathing
- Wandering
RESOURCE: 4 End of Life Care Conversations All Caregivers Need to Have
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Next
06
Severe Decline
Healing the Brain and Body With Music
Return
Next
Very Severe Decline
07
COMPREHENSIVE DECLINE
- Can sometimes utter words or phrases
- No self-awarness of condition
- Need assistance with all aspects of daily life
- May lose ability to swallow
RESOURCE: 7 Ways to Ease Eating and Swallowing Difficulties
Return
Next
as a patient
What you can do
Stay active
Nourish your brain
Engage your mind
Speak to family
Memory aids
Return
Next
as a Caregiver
support your loved one
Mindfulness practices
Encourage social engagement
Establish routines
Home safety modifications
Medication management
Music therapy benefits
Safety tracking devices
Assess driving safety
Medication options
Effective communication
Return
Next
as a Caregiver
support your wellbeing
Prioritize self-care
Coping strategies
Join support groups
Share care responsibilities
Manage stress
Return
Next
as a Caregiver
plan for the future
Long-term care plans
End-of-life preferences
Financial options
Palliative care
Return
Next
Visit
beingpatient.com
for the latest news and information on brain health and Alzheimer's disease
Return
Figure out what financial health care assistance your loved one qualifies for
Speak to medical professional about a plan for long-term health care options, such as nursing homes or memory care facilities.
Keep your loved one active and engaged with other people
Discuss medication options with the doctor to enhance your loved one's comfort and clarify when medical intervention may no longer be appropriate.
Make home modifications for safety and comfort. Get necessary equipment for bathing (i.e. lifting harness, safety bars and mats)
Challenge your brain with different types of learning, e.g., learn a new instrument or a different language
If your loved one is driving, get a professional to assess driving capability
Eat a science-backed, brain-healthy diet, like the Mediterranean or MIND diets
Learn strategies for coping with difficult behaviors and symptoms, e.g., angry or violent outbursts, hallucinations
Exercise 30-40 minutes 5 times per week
Consider investing in a GPS tracking device and home camera system
Speak to family about what is important to you in navigating the later stages of Alzheimer's disease
Share the work of caregiving where you can; assemble a dementia care team
Establish a consistent daily routine for your loved one to provide comfort and stability, incorporating regular activities and familiar tasks.
Keep your loved one active and engaged with other people while exploring new ways to communicate
Be attentive to your own needs; don't neglect your own physical and mental health and avoid burnout
Come up with a plan for administering medication.
Experiment with science-backed mindfulness practices to help you stay patient and positive
Consider looking into palliative care options to ensure your loved one receives comprehensive support that focuses on comfort and quality of life.
Find ways to cope with stress; it’s important to find time for yourself
Find an Alzheimer's or dementia support group in your area
Speak to loved ones about end-of-life issues and preferences (DNR, funeral preferences)
Consider music therapy; it can work well with some late-stage Alzheimer’s patients
Devise ways to help you remember things, e.g, calendar alarms, Post-it reminders
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Transcript
The Seven Stages of Alzheimer’s
Click on a stage to learn more
no impairment
STAGE 1
STAGE 2
Very Mild Decline
STAGE 3
Mild Decline
STAGE 4
Moderate Decline
STAGE 5
Moderately Severe DECLINE
STAGE 6
Severe Decline
STAGE 7
Very Severe Decline
01
No impairment
1. You have no symptoms 2. Amyloid plaque in the brain may be present. The only way to detect the early pathology of Alzheimer's is through a blood test or scan 3. Exercise and diet can play a role in slowing down cognitive decline
Mediterranean Diet
Exercise
How Can You Tell the Difference Between Dementia and ‘Normal’ Aging?
Return
Next
01
No impairment
When is Forgetfulness a Sign of Disease? Alzheimer's vs. Normal Aging
Return
Next
02
Very Mild Decline
1. Beginning to notice memory problems or may have a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) 2. Symptoms can be losing items around the house 3. Still performs well on memory tests
Speak to a medical professional
Take a baseline cognitive test Talk to a medical professional to find out if you would benefit from enrolling in clinical trials
What Is Mild Cognitive Impairment? A Guide to Symptoms and Diagnosis
Return
Next
02
Very Mild Decline
The Challenges and Advances in Diagnosing Alzheimer's
Return
Next
03
Mild Decline
memory ISSUES
Cognitive Tests
Make a plan
Return
Next
04
Moderate Decline
INCREASING MEMORY ISSUES
OTHER ISSUES
RESOURCE: FA Step-By-Step Guide to Assembling a Dementia Caregiving Team
Return
Next
05
Moderately Severe
prohibitive memory loss
DISORIENTATION, MOTOR SKILLS
Read more: Navigating the Hallucinations and Delusions of Dementia: A BrainTalk with Dr. Erin Foff and Chris Schwilk
Return
Next
06
Severe Decline
COGNITIVE ISSUES
NEED for constant care
RESOURCE: 4 End of Life Care Conversations All Caregivers Need to Have
Return
Next
06
Severe Decline
Healing the Brain and Body With Music
Return
Next
Very Severe Decline
07
COMPREHENSIVE DECLINE
RESOURCE: 7 Ways to Ease Eating and Swallowing Difficulties
Return
Next
as a patient
What you can do
Stay active
Nourish your brain
Engage your mind
Speak to family
Memory aids
Return
Next
as a Caregiver
support your loved one
Mindfulness practices
Encourage social engagement
Establish routines
Home safety modifications
Medication management
Music therapy benefits
Safety tracking devices
Assess driving safety
Medication options
Effective communication
Return
Next
as a Caregiver
support your wellbeing
Prioritize self-care
Coping strategies
Join support groups
Share care responsibilities
Manage stress
Return
Next
as a Caregiver
plan for the future
Long-term care plans
End-of-life preferences
Financial options
Palliative care
Return
Next
Visit
beingpatient.com
for the latest news and information on brain health and Alzheimer's disease
Return
Figure out what financial health care assistance your loved one qualifies for
Speak to medical professional about a plan for long-term health care options, such as nursing homes or memory care facilities.
Keep your loved one active and engaged with other people
Discuss medication options with the doctor to enhance your loved one's comfort and clarify when medical intervention may no longer be appropriate.
Make home modifications for safety and comfort. Get necessary equipment for bathing (i.e. lifting harness, safety bars and mats)
Challenge your brain with different types of learning, e.g., learn a new instrument or a different language
If your loved one is driving, get a professional to assess driving capability
Eat a science-backed, brain-healthy diet, like the Mediterranean or MIND diets
Learn strategies for coping with difficult behaviors and symptoms, e.g., angry or violent outbursts, hallucinations
Exercise 30-40 minutes 5 times per week
Consider investing in a GPS tracking device and home camera system
Speak to family about what is important to you in navigating the later stages of Alzheimer's disease
Share the work of caregiving where you can; assemble a dementia care team
Establish a consistent daily routine for your loved one to provide comfort and stability, incorporating regular activities and familiar tasks.
Keep your loved one active and engaged with other people while exploring new ways to communicate
Be attentive to your own needs; don't neglect your own physical and mental health and avoid burnout
Come up with a plan for administering medication.
Experiment with science-backed mindfulness practices to help you stay patient and positive
Consider looking into palliative care options to ensure your loved one receives comprehensive support that focuses on comfort and quality of life.
Find ways to cope with stress; it’s important to find time for yourself
Find an Alzheimer's or dementia support group in your area
Speak to loved ones about end-of-life issues and preferences (DNR, funeral preferences)
Consider music therapy; it can work well with some late-stage Alzheimer’s patients
Devise ways to help you remember things, e.g, calendar alarms, Post-it reminders