SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS1

Although the symptoms of Alzheimer's may be unique to each patient, there are similarities in the progression of the disease.

Stage 1: Symptoms may appear insignificant to others:

  • Becomes absentminded
  • Isn't fully aware of what they hear or see
  • Misplaces valuable objects
  • Is uncomfortable in social situations
  • Job performance may suffer
  • Has trouble finding words (aphasia)
  • Becomes withdrawn, depressed, anxious, or irritable
  • Denies there is a serious problem
Stage 2: Memory problems become apparent to family and friends:
  • Cannot follow ongoing conversations
  • Has difficulty in retaining new information
  • Recalling current events and personal information is difficult
  • Math calculations become challenging; cannot balance checkbook
  • Driving is risky
  • Cooking becomes difficult
  • Depression is noticeable
  • Lacks insight into their problems
Stage 3: Symptoms become more dramatic as patient denies problems:
  • Memory may fluctuate daily and even hourly
  • Major events are forgotten
  • Experiences rapid mood swings and episodes of crying, anger, and agitation
  • Has difficulty dressing themselves
  • Accuses others of taking personal items
  • Needs assistance by a caregiver
Stage 4: Dramatic changes occur:
  • Language skills are dramatically reduced
  • Memory impairment is profound
  • Historical information is recalled in fragments
  • Unfamiliar circumstances and people are threatening
  • Delusions and hallucinations
  • Obsessive behavior such as pacing, cleaning an object over and over, etc
  • Asking the same questions over and over
  • Difficulty sleeping and wandering around at night
  • Fear of bathing
Stage 5: The “long goodbye”:
  • Communication skills are lost
  • Coordination is impaired
  • Brain activity is interrupted and seizures may occur
  • Can no longer respond and lapses into a coma


This is not medical advice. Alzheimer's disease cannot be self-diagnosed or diagnosed by a layperson. Seek individual advice from your doctor or healthcare practitioner.

Reference: 1. Anticipating the future. AARP website. www.aarp.org/health/conditions/articles/harvard__a-guide-to-alzheimer-s-dise ase_11.html. Accessed January 27, 2009.