Recognizing Alzheimer's Disease: Early Signs, Stages, and the Importance of Evaluation

​As we age, it's common to experience occasional forgetfulness or memory lapses. Misplacing car keys or struggling to recall a word are part of the normal aging process. However, for those with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia, these lapses can become more frequent and pronounced.

Early Warning Signs of Alzheimer's Disease
Recognizing the signs of Alzheimer's disease is crucial. Some key indicators may include:

• Changes in personality
  
• Impaired gait or movement
  
• Language difficulties
  
• Low energy
  
• Memory loss
  
• Mood swings
  
• Problems with attention and orientation
  
• Difficulty with simple mathematical tasks
  

Consider seeking an evaluation from a qualified physician if you or a loved one experiences an increase in the frequency or severity of these symptoms, if they interfere with daily activities, or if they are noticed by friends and family.

Stages and Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease
Alzheimer's disease typically progresses gradually over two to 20 years, with an average duration of seven years in the United States. Scientists now understand that the disease exists in a person's body long before symptoms manifest, known as the preclinical or pre-symptomatic stage.

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) Due to Alzheimer's/Prodromal

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is a condition between normal age-related memory loss and dementia. Individuals with MCI may experience memory problems but can still perform routine activities. While MCI often leads to Alzheimer's, not everyone with MCI will develop the disease.

Symptoms of Alzheimer's at this stage may include memory problems noticed by others, mood conditions like depression or anxiety, and poor performance on cognitive tests.



Mild (Stage 1)

In the early stages of Alzheimer's, individuals may exhibit:

• Slowed speech and understanding
  
• Minor memory loss and mood swings
  
• Difficulty learning new things
  
• Loss of energy and spontaneity
  
• Difficulty maintaining a train of thought mid-sentence
  

They can still perform basic activities but may require assistance with more complex tasks.

Moderate (Stage 2)

At this stage, individuals become more disabled by the disease. 

• They may struggle to recall recent events
  
• Have difficulty understanding time and location
  
• Invent new words
  
• Fail to recognize familiar faces
  

Severe (Stage 3)

In the final stage, Alzheimer's patients:

• Are unable to chew and swallow
  
• Become bedridden and vulnerable to illnesses
  
• Become increasingly unresponsive
  
• Lose bodily control, requiring constant care
  
• Recognize no one
  

Ultimately, patients succumb to coma and death, either from the end stage of Alzheimer's or from co-occurring medical conditions.

The Importance of Physician Evaluation
If you suspect a memory problem, seek advice and a thorough evaluation from a physician with expertise in dementia and memory issues. Early medical attention can rule out other causes of memory loss and may involve prescription medications to slow progression or alleviate symptoms. Timely screening and diagnosis are crucial, as treatments are most effective in the earlier stages of Alzheimer's disease.