Alzheimer's disease is a progressive disease that destroys memory and other important mental functions. Memory loss is the main symptom, along with confusion and disorientation. Dementia, on the other hand, is a group of thinking and social symptoms that interferes with daily functioning. Alzheimer's is considered both a dementia AND a cause of dementia. Alzheimer's accounts for about 70% of dementia cases. (Mayo Clinic)
Seven Stages of Alzheimer's (from Alzheimers.net)
No impairment: Alzheimer's shows no symptoms and no memory loss occurs.
Very mild decline: minor memory loss and misplacement occurs, but person can still do well on memory tests and disease is virtually undetectable from typically age-related memory loss.
Mild decline: loved ones may begin to notice cognitive function problems and person will do worse on memory tests. Patient will have difficulty in areas like finding the right word, organization, planning, and remembering names of new people.
Moderate decline: patient has difficulty with simple arithmetic, short-term memory, managing finances, and may forget details about their own past.
Moderately severe decline: patient begins needing help with day-to-day activities and have difficulty with dressing, recalling simple details, and significant confusion, however remain functional.
Severe decline: patient needs constant supervision and care, struggling with facial recognition, past details, loss of bladder and bowel control, personality and behavioral problems, confusion, and wandering. Patient is no longer functional and requires assistance with basic needs.
Very severe decline: as Alzheimer's is a terminal illness, patient is nearing death at this stage. Patient is unable to communicate at a functional level and may lose ability to swallow.
A portion of proceeds from our Alzheimer's Disease bracelet is donated to the Fisher's Center for Alzheimer's Research, whose goal is to find a cure for Alzheimer's. For more information, please visit alzinfo.org.
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