Comprehensive Alzheimer's Disease Information

A neurological disorder, Alzheimers is a progressive, degenerative illness that gradually causes irreversible brain cell damage. There are three stages of Alzheimers.

• In the early stages of Alzheimers, memory and thinking abilities decline.
• In later stages of Alzheimers, cells begin to die in other areas of the brain that control functions such as muscle control.
• And in the final stages of Alzheimers, the brain eventually stops functioning altogether.

What Are the Various Stages of Alzheimers?

There are three stages of Alzheimer's—beginning with mild forgetfulness, then moving into a more confused and disoriented state of mind, then finally a severe state of dementia.

In the early stages of Alzheimers, forgetfulness becomes apparent to close relatives and friends. For example, you may find that a person in the early stages of Alzheimers is having difficulty remembering everyday tasks, such as banking, grocery shopping or preparing lunch. They could be trying to hide their mistakes, and you may begin to see changes in their social behavior and moods.

In the second stages of Alzheimers, forgetfulness and confusion becomes more severe. The affected person can no longer remember simple tasks such as checking the mailbox or washing the dishes. This confusion, disorientation and lack of concentration can also lead to severe mood swings, and you may notice a reclusion from once enjoyed activities.

In the third, and final stages of Alzheimers, not only will the patient suffer sever confusion and disorientation, including hallucinations and paranoia, but the damaged brain cells will continue to die, rendering the patient with serious vision problems, motor skills and even infections.

Alzheimer's Treatment

It’s best to begin Alzheimers treatment in the early stages of the disease to slow down the deterioration of brain cells. Because Alzheimers is a terminal illness with no cure, Alzheimers treatment offers a way to manage the disease as best you can.

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Southern Mississippi said that the herbal extract Ginkgo biloba has proven to be an effective Alzheimers treatment.

Because there is no cure for the disease, Alzheimers treatment is strongly recommended in the early stages to help relieve symptoms. Be prepared, however, in the later stages of Alzheimers—even with Alzheimers treatment—the patient may need to move to a nursing home or become involved with a hospice program. To learn more about hospice programs, click here.

Alzheimers Disease Information
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