The symptoms of Alzheimer’s worsen over time, but how quickly they advance varies. On average, a person with Alzheimer’s lives between four and eight years after being diagnosed, although they can live up to 20 years.

Memory problems are typically one of the first signs of cognitive deterioration related to Alzheimer’s (but not all memory slips are Alzheimer’s). This disease is not a normal form of aging. Alzheimer’s can be broken up into different stages with their respective symptoms.

Stages: Early

In early-stage Alzheimer’s, people may function independently. They may work and participate in routine and social activities. However, they may experience occasional episodes of memory loss, usually forgetting words, places, or names of family members and friends.

The most common symptoms at this stage are difficulties finding words or correct names, remembering new names, and interacting or performing tasks in social environments; forgetting what was just seen or read; misplacing important objects; and struggling with planning or organizing.

Middle

Middle-stage Alzheimer’s, also known as moderate Alzheimer’s, is usually the longest stage. As the disease progresses, people will require an increased level of care.

In this stage, the usual symptoms are problems remembering information or personal events, confusion about current dates or places, increased risk of getting lost or disoriented, difficulty controlling the need to go to the bathroom, changes in sleep patterns, bad mood, and personality or behavioral changes.

Late

In late-stage Alzheimer’s, people lose their ability to respond to their environment, carry a conversation, or control movements. Although they can pronounce words and phrases, communication becomes difficult. As memory and cognitive abilities worsen, they may experience significant personality changes and need help with daily tasks.

In severe Alzheimer’s disease, around-the-clock assistance with daily activities and personal care is required. People lose awareness of recent experiences; have mood changes, limited physical abilities, and problems communicating; and are more vulnerable to certain injuries, such as viral infections.

Prevention

According to specialists, there is currently no proven strategy to prevent Alzheimer’s. However, there is solid evidence that various factors related to a healthy lifestyle can contribute to a reduced risk of having this disease and other types of dementia.

Sources:

Alzheimer's Association; National Library of Medicine; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Mayo Clinic; National Institute of Mental Health.