When a family member is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, it can be a shock. You may find yourself asking lots of questions about what the future will hold and how you can best support your loved one. While there is no easy answer, knowing what to expect as the disease progresses can help you be better prepared to provide the care and specialist assistance your loved one needs.
In the early stages of Alzheimer’s, your loved one will likely be able to live independently and manage their own care. As the disease progresses, however, they will begin to need more specialist assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and eating. Eventually, they will require around-the-clock care. Here’s a look at what you can expect at each stage of Alzheimer’s.
Stage 1: Early Stage Alzheimer’s
In the early stage of Alzheimer’s, your loved one may still be able to live independently but will begin to experience some memory loss and other cognitive changes. They may have difficulty remembering recent events or appointments and may start to struggle with complex tasks at work or home. During this stage, they will still be able to drive and manage their own finances but may need some help organising their schedule and keeping track of appointments.
Stage 2: Middle-Stage Alzheimer’s
The middle stage of Alzheimer’s is typically when people first begin to need specialist assistance with activities of daily living. They may have difficulty driving, handling finances, cooking meals, and caring for themselves. At this stage, they may also begin to experience changes in mood and behaviour, such as depression, anxiety, aggression, or paranoia. It is essential to provide support and assistance and ensure that your loved one has plenty of opportunities for socialization and stimulation.
Stage 3: Late-Stage Alzheimer’s
In the late stage of Alzheimer’s, your loved one will require around-the-clock care as they can no longer care for themselves. They will lose the ability to communicate verbally and may become bedridden. It is essential to provide comfort during this time as there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease.
If you have a loved one who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, it is crucial to educate yourself on what to expect as the disease progresses. While there is no easy answer, knowing what stages the disease goes through can help you be better prepared to provide the care and assistance with your loved one needs. Livewell provides specialist assistance for families facing dementia or Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Whether you are interested in long-term care or short-term respite care, our team is ready to walk this journey with you. If you require assistance from specialists regarding Alzheimer’s or dementia, please get in touch with us.