Experience: stages
Alzheimer's Progression
Memory and speech problems are hallmarks of early stage Alzheimer's. The middle stages are marked by behavioral and psychiatric symptoms such as outbursts, anxiety or depression. In the late stages, there is little intelligible speech and basic body functions slowly shut down.
Still, the day-to-day progression of symptoms is far from predictable. Someone who forgets how to use the microwave one day might have no symptoms the next. Every time a brain function is lost, the mind tries to compensate. When Alzheimer's attacks one synapse, the brain tries to use another. Eventually, the disease takes away all possible detours.
What People with Alzheimer's Can Do (Note: Stages are approximations of progression. Symptoms don't always progress similarly for everyone).
Early Stage- Understands conversation
- Carries on conversations
- Can plan common tasks like dinner
- Navigates through familiar surroundings without help
- Recognizes familiar people and places
- Holds info in head long enough to reason and rationalize
- Can explain away strange behaviors
- Can read and write
Middle Stage
- Remembers things that happened long ago
- Recognizes people from early in life
- Recognizes own face
- Understands short phrases
- Reads and understands singular words
- Makes simple interpretations of sensory experience (something's hot, salty, loud, etc...)
- Mimics simple actions
- Carries out over-learned processes like "Hello, how are you."
- Walks and moves without difficulty
- Makes simple yes/no, either/or decisions
Late Stage
- Interprets and uses basic body language
- Enjoys sounds, tastes, smells, sights and touch.