What Are the Symptoms and Stages of Alzheimer's Disease?

Here are the major signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's:

Memory Loss That Disturbs Everyday Life : Memory loss is the most important and common symptom of Alzheimer's. The patient tends to forget recently learned information and will always be asking for the same thing over and over again. Here are some memory loss scenarios:

• Unable to identify their kids, neighbors, siblings
• Forgetting the routes which they travel every day
• Misplacing things or placing things in unusual places
• Confused about their own hobbies

Inability to Solve Problems : Sudden change in one's ability to concentrate. Taking unusually longer to complete familiar tasks and struggling with the monthly budget, which they used to plan with ease.

Confusing Words and Language : Alzheimer's sufferers may have trouble following or joining a conversation. They often remain silent in the middle, as they have run out of ideas to continue. Referring to items by the wrong name and struggling to find the right word.

Confusion about Time or Place : They get to lose the track of the date, time and even their own address. At times, they forget where they are, and how they got there.

Trouble Recognizing Colors and People : Patients suffering from this chronic neurodegenerative disorder have a problem with vision - they find identifying colors and contrasts quite the challenge.

Constant Mood Swings : Moods keep on changing based on the situation Alzheimer's sufferers are in. This can make them depressed, confused, annoyed, and suspicious, as it leads them out of their comfort zone.

Some people often confuse these symptoms with age related changes and mood swings. If you notice any of the warning signs of Alzheimer's, it is better to get it diagnosed early.

Stages of Alzheimer : This disease typically progresses in three stages:

• Early-Mild
• Moderate-Middle
• Severe-Late

Mild Alzheimer's Disease : Since this is the first and earliest stage of Alzheimer's, a patient can have the capability to function independently. Still that person will be having issues with memory lapses such as forgetting some words, their office or house address.

Middle Stage (Moderate): This stage will not allow people to function independently. Even though they remember significant details about their life, they cannot survive without help, especially when they are outside the house.

Severe Alzheimer's disease (Late-stage): This is the most severe stage and it requires round the clock assistance for those affected. Even though they can pronounce words and phrases it would still be difficult for them to participate in a conversation. Since that person is under a tremendous amount of stress, his or her personality changes largely.

All stages and symptoms mentioned here are not professional doctors' opinions. We are sharing personal experiences and the things we already knew about Alzheimer's.