Alzheimer's disease is a serious neurological disorder that causes a progressive loss of function in the brain, affecting memory, thinking skills and daily life. The disease progresses through specific stages, with each stage presenting a different face of the disease. Alzheimer's is usually divided into four main stages: early stage, middle stage, advanced stage and end stage.
Each stage of the disease is important to understand the severity of symptoms and the impact on the person's quality of life. The early stage is characterized by mild symptoms, while in the end stage the person becomes completely dependent on care. In this process, early diagnosis is crucial to slow the progression of the disease and improve quality of life.
It is important to study the stages of the disease in detail in order to understand the symptoms correctly and to cope with the disease more effectively. A thorough understanding of the stages of Alzheimer's disease can help both patients and caregivers to better manage the process. Understanding the symptoms at each stage is critical to taking an approach that is tailored to the individual's needs. Knowing the stages of Alzheimer's and what to do during these stages is one of the most effective ways to maintain quality of life. For more information about Alzheimer's, please visit our Alzheimer's page.
Symptoms of Alzheimer's Stage 1
The first stage of Alzheimer's disease, often referred to as the "early stage", is a period when the disease presents with mild symptoms. At this stage, the individual can lead their daily life largely independently; however, some changes in memory and cognitive functions may be noticeable. Detecting symptoms at an early stage is of great importance to slow the progression of the disease and start the appropriate treatment process.
Alzheimer's Stage 1 Symptoms Details:
Mild forgetfulness: The most common symptom in the first stage is difficulty remembering new information. The individual may forget a recent conversation, appointments or important dates. This forgetfulness is often perceived as a "sign of old age", but recurring forgetfulness can be the first sign of Alzheimer's.
Concentration problems: A person may have difficulty sustaining attention or focusing on a task. For example, they may be distracted while reading a book or watching a television program.
Difficulty finding words: In the early stage of Alzheimer's, a person may have difficulty finding the right words during a conversation. This can affect the flow of conversations and the individual may have difficulty expressing themselves.
Confused perception of time: Confusing days or hours is a common symptom in this stage. The person may have difficulty remembering when a particular event took place or confusion between the past and the present.
Difficulty making decisions and solving problems: Difficulty in making decisions or solving simple problems encountered in daily life are among the other symptoms seen in this stage. For example, it may be difficult to remember to buy a missing item or to make a simple calculation.
Slowing down in learning new information: The person may spend more time learning new things and find it difficult to retain the information. This can be particularly noticeable at work or in social interactions.
The first stage of Alzheimer's disease allows the quality of life to be preserved by recognizing symptoms early. If diagnosed at this stage, preventive steps can be taken against more serious symptoms that may be encountered in the future.
Alzheimer's Stage 2 Symptoms
The second stage of Alzheimer's disease is called the "middle stage" and is a period when symptoms become more pronounced. In this stage, memory loss increases, cognitive functions deteriorate more severely and it becomes more difficult for the individual to move independently in activities of daily living. In this stage, which requires more attention for both the patient and his/her close environment, the management of the disease requires more support and patience.
Alzheimer's Stage 2 Symptoms Details:
Increased memory loss: In the second stage, memory loss becomes more pronounced. It is difficult to recall events from the recent past, daily plans and familiar faces. For example, the individual may often ask the same questions or retell the same story.
Getting lost in familiar places: The individual may have difficulty finding their way around, even in places they have frequented before. It is not uncommon for them to have difficulty returning or to lose their way when they leave the house.
Behavioral and emotional changes: Symptoms such as restlessness, irritability, anxiety and depression are more common during this stage. There may also be marked changes in the character of the individual. For example, a calm personality may exhibit aggressive behavior or develop paranoia.
Difficulty with personal care: The individual starts to need help with daily routines. There may be difficulty in fulfilling basic needs such as dressing, bathing or eating. For example, they may choose clothes that are not appropriate for the season or neglect their cleaning habits.
Inability to perform complex functions: In this stage, the individual may be unable to perform tasks that require more than one step. For example, simple tasks such as following a recipe, paying bills or making a phone call become challenging.
Social withdrawal: In the second stage, the individual begins to withdraw from interactions with friends and family. The tendency to avoid social activities and become isolated may increase.
The second stage of Alzheimer's disease is a period when symptoms intensify and severely affect the quality of life of the individual. However, with appropriate support, regular care and expert assistance, this process can become more manageable.
Alzheimer's Stage 3 Symptoms
The third stage of Alzheimer's disease is often referred to as the "advanced stage" and refers to a period when the disease has reached a serious stage. In this stage, there is a marked decline in the cognitive, physical and behavioral functions of the individual. Unable to carry out activities of daily living independently, the individual is now completely dependent on the help of others. This stage of Alzheimer's disease is a very challenging process for both the patient and caregivers.
Alzheimer's Stage 3 Symptoms Details:
Severe memory loss: In this stage, the individual has difficulty recognizing people around them, even the closest family members. Memory loss progresses to such an extent that the individual may forget even basic information about themselves. For example, it is common not to remember the date of birth, where they live or their own name.
Language and communication problems: In the third stage, the individual's language skills are severely impaired. The ability to speak diminishes, vocabulary shrinks and sentences are often difficult to understand. In some cases, the person may stop speaking altogether and try to communicate only through gestures or expressions.
Loss of motor skills: Difficulties with physical activities become more pronounced at this stage. The person may have difficulty walking, sitting or performing simple movements. Loss of motor skills increases the risk of falls and requires constant supervision.
Personality and behavior changes: In the third stage, significant changes occur in the individual's personality. Symptoms such as aggressive behavior, suspiciousness and paranoia are common. Depression, apathy and a tendency to withdraw completely from social interactions can also be observed.
Eating and drinking difficulties: During this stage, the individual may have difficulty chewing or swallowing during eating. This can lead to serious nutritional problems and negatively affect the person's overall health.
Deterioration in physical health: Bed sores, infections and other physical complications may occur due to prolonged bed confinement. In addition, the weakened immune system makes the individual more vulnerable to various diseases.
The third stage of Alzheimer's disease is a period when the individual becomes completely dependent on others. However, with the right support, regular care and expert help, the quality of life can be improved. In this stage, the patient's relatives should act patiently and consciously to help manage the process better.
Alzheimer's Stage 4 Symptoms
The fourth stage of Alzheimer's disease, often referred to as the "end stage", refers to a period when the individual becomes completely dependent on others. In this stage, both the mental and physical effects of the disease are at their most severe. The individual's communication skills are almost completely lost, while there is a severe deterioration in physical health. This stage of Alzheimer's disease is also very challenging for caregivers and family members.
Alzheimer's Stage 4 Symptoms Details:
Loss of communication: In the fourth stage, the individual loses much of their ability to speak. Speech may stop completely or become limited to only a few words. This makes it impossible for the individual to express their needs and feelings, so it is important for caregivers to interpret the individual's body language and behavior.
Severe memory loss: Memory loss reaches its peak during this stage. The individual has difficulty recognizing not only the people around them but even themselves. Information about their own past and identity may be completely lost.
Physical health problems: Mobility is greatly reduced. The person becomes bedridden and has serious difficulties with basic physical functions. Loss of the swallowing reflex can lead to serious nutritional problems. They also become vulnerable to infections as their immune system weakens.
Loss of muscle control: In this stage, urinary and fecal control may be completely lost and constant care may be required to ensure the individual's physical comfort. At the same time, muscle strength and coordination are completely weakened, making daily activities impossible.
Complications: Pressure sores, respiratory infections and circulatory problems become common due to prolonged bed rest. These complications can often lead to life-threatening consequences.
The fourth stage of Alzheimer's disease requires a sensitive and compassionate approach to improve the individual's quality of life. The priority at this stage is to ensure the individual's physical comfort, offer emotional support and minimize emerging health problems.
What should be done to prevent Alzheimer's?
Although there is no definitive method to prevent Alzheimer's disease, healthy living habits and activities that support brain function play an important role in reducing the risk of the disease. It is possible to prevent or slow down cognitive decline with lifestyle adjustments.
Physical Activity: Regular exercise is an important factor in maintaining brain health. Physical activities increase blood circulation to the brain and support cognitive functions.
Healthy Diet: Adopting a diet that protects brain health can reduce the risk of Alzheimer's.
Keeping the Brain Active: Activities that keep the brain active can provide a protective effect against Alzheimer's.
Social Interaction: Social connections are critical for maintaining mental and emotional health.
Regular and Quality Sleep: Insufficient sleep can cause toxins to build up in the brain, increasing the risk of Alzheimer's.
Management of Chronic Diseases: Chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol can increase the risk of Alzheimer's. It is important to keep these diseases under control.
Managing Stress: Chronic stress is one of the factors that can increase the risk of Alzheimer's. Managing stress is beneficial for both mental and physical health.
Avoiding Tobacco and Alcohol Consumption: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of Alzheimer's. Quitting these harmful habits positively affects brain health.
Prevention of Alzheimer's is possible with positive lifestyle changes. A healthy diet, regular physical activity, mental exercises and quality sleep habits can be effective in reducing the risk of the disease. For more information about Alzheimer's disease, please visit our Alzheimer's page.