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Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease

Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease

“Memories are the threads that weave the fabric of our lives, shaping who we are and who we become.” – Elizabeth Loftus

    Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease

    Alzheimer’s disease is a complex condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide, impacting not only those diagnosed but also their families and caregivers. Understanding the progression of Alzheimer’s is crucial for providing appropriate care and support at each stage of the disease. In this article, we’ll explore the seven stages of Alzheimer’s Disease, highlighting the areas of the brain affected, common symptoms experienced, and available treatments for each stage.

    Stage 1 – No Impairment

    Area of the Brain: No noticeable changes.

    Symptoms: No memory problems or cognitive decline.

    Treatments: Focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and mental stimulation.

    Stage 2 – Very Mild Decline

    Working Memory

    Working Memory

    Do you find it challenging to remember things you just learned or heard? This could be a sign of dementia.

    Area of the Brain: Minimal changes, primarily in the hippocampus.

    Symptoms: Occasional forgetfulness, such as misplacing keys or forgetting names.

    Treatments: Continued emphasis on lifestyle factors, along with memory aids and cognitive exercises.

    Stage 3 – Mild Decline

    Slower Retrieval and Rapid Forgetting

    Slower Retrieval and Rapid Forgetting

    Finding it takes longer to recall information, and forgetting things more quickly.

    Immediate Recall Difficulty

    Immediate Recall Difficulty

    Struggling to remember information right after learning it.

    Area of the Brain: Further deterioration in the hippocampus and other regions involved in memory and learning.

    Symptoms: Noticeable memory lapses, difficulty finding the right words, and challenges with planning and organization.

    Treatments: Introduction of medications such as cholinesterase inhibitors to help manage cognitive symptoms, along with support from caregivers and memory care programs.

    Stage 4 – Moderate Decline

    Prospective Memory Challenges

    Prospective Memory Challenges

    Difficulty remembering to perform tasks in the future without external reminders.

    Episodic Memory

    Episodic Memory

    Trouble remembering specific events or experiences from your past.

    Area of the Brain: Significant damage in multiple brain regions, including the frontal and temporal lobes.

    Symptoms: Increased memory loss, difficulty performing tasks independently, mood swings, and confusion about time and place.

    Treatments: Additional medications, such as memantine, may be prescribed to manage cognitive symptoms. Occupational therapy and support services become more important for daily functioning.

    Stage 5 – Moderately Severe Decline

    Autobiographical Memory Changes

    Autobiographical Memory Changes

    Memories across your lifespan become less detailed and more vague.

    Area of the Brain: Extensive damage throughout the brain, affecting communication between neurons.

    Symptoms: Severe memory impairment, inability to recall personal details, challenges with basic activities of daily living, and behavioral changes.

    Treatments: Intensive support from caregivers, including assistance with personal care and supervision. Behavioral interventions and communication strategies are crucial.

    Stage 7 – Very Severe Decline

    Area of the Brain: Severe neuronal loss and widespread brain damage, resulting in complete dependence on others for care.

    Symptoms: Loss of verbal communication, minimal responsiveness, and severe physical impairment.

    Treatments: End-of-life care focuses on comfort and dignity, with a focus on pain management and emotional support for both the individual and their loved ones.

    Stage 6 – Severe Decline

    Area of the Brain: Severe atrophy and damage in all brain regions, leading to profound cognitive and physical decline.

    Symptoms: Loss of awareness of surroundings, difficulty recognizing familiar faces, incontinence, and limited mobility.

    Treatments: Palliative care focuses on maximizing comfort and quality of life. Supportive therapies, such as music and art therapy, can provide comfort and stimulation.

    Bottom Line:

    Understanding the stages of Alzheimer’s disease is essential for navigating the challenges and providing appropriate care and support throughout the journey. While there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s, early diagnosis and intervention can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life for individuals and their families. With ongoing research and advancements in treatment, there is hope for a future where Alzheimer’s is more effectively managed and ultimately cured.

    Lewy Body Dementia and Rehabilitation

    Lewy Body Dementia and Rehabilitation

    Lewy Body Dementia is a condition that looks different for each person, but the way the disease works in the brain, known as pathogenesis, follows the same general pattern. Some specialized physical, occupational, and speech therapists are trained in understanding how the disease spreads through the brain and how it impacts different functions over time. These changes are specific to Lewy Body Dementia, making your journey with LBD different from someone with Alzheimer’s, frontotemporal dementia, or Parkinson’s.

    If you’ve been diagnosed with LBD, it’s important to start building your long-term management team. While you won’t need therapy or medical appointments all the time, you will benefit from having periods of therapy when changes in your body or function start to appear. Having someone to contact when these changes happen ensures you can get the right support at the right time. Early diagnosis and intervention are key to maintaining as much independence and function as possible throughout the course of the disease.

    What is Lewy Body Dementia?

    Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) is the second most prevalent progressive neurodegenerative diagnosis causing dementia. It is second to Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but differs in many ways. It is signified by lewy body proteins that appear in various parts of your brain affecting thinking, functional activities, judgement, executive function, functions of the autonomic nervous system, and mobility.

    The Lewy Body Association  has more information regarding the difference between Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and Lewy Body Disease (LBD).

    What do I do if I’ve been diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia (LBD)?

    After receiving an LBD diagnosis, it is important to establish a long-term therapy team including occupational therapy, speech therapy, and physical therapy familiar with the progression of this diagnosis. By establishing a small therapy team that will be able to remain with you throughout the stages of Lewy Body Dementia, you will be able to maximize your physical function, maintain your performance in functional activities, and ensure you remain in control of your symptoms instead of the other way around.

    Symptoms of Lewy Body Dementia

    • Runny Nose
    • Visual hallucinations (detailed)
    • Delusions 
    • Agitation and frustration
    • Difficulty multi-tasking or remaining on task 
    • Information processing difficulties 
    • Stooped posture (similar to Parkinson’s disease)
    • Overall movements and mobility slowing down
    • Balance and coordination decline 
    • Walking turns into a ‘shuffle’ 
    • Voice becomes more quiet 

    For more symptoms of Lewy Body Dementia, head to Alzheimer’s Association

    What are my options after receiving an LBD diagnosis?

    Although there are neurocognitive enhancement medications, one of the most important things you can do for yourself is to seek out a team of therapists as early as possible. With the right early intervention strategies you can improve your symptoms and/or control the speed at which you experience decline.

    What type of intervention is used by a neuro-centered rehabilitation team?

    How can outpatient occupational therapy help after a dementia diagnosis?

    • Once given a dementia diagnosis, we can ‘stage’ your dementia progression through specific screens and assessments so that you always feel in control of your circumstances.
    • Make recommendations for adaptive equipment, durable medical equipment, and mobility aids throughout each stage
    • Provide a hybrid approach to rehabilitation and maintenance grounded in neurocentric principles offering you an inclusive rehab program.