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• Becomes withdrawn, depressed, anxious, or irritable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.