A first cousin – just a few years older than myself. The husband of a lovely lady I have known since grammar school. The mother of a relative by marriage. It seems every week or so I hear of someone else beginning the Alzheimer\u2019s journey. It is a long, difficult road. What a difference it makes to have a loved one travel with you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now the sixth leading cause of death in our nation, one in three seniors die with Alzheimer\u2019s or another dementia. According to the Alzheimer\u2019s Association, this devastating illness is \u201cthe only cause of death among the top 10 in America that cannot be prevented, cured or even slowed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many of you who are reading this are caring for someone who has received this heart-breaking diagnosis. An important aspect of caregiving is learning all you can about the disease that affects your loved one. Numerous books have been written and an abundant amount of information is available online. I encourage you to take advantage of these. My goal today is to summarize the stages of Alzheimer\u2019s, providing an overview that can help you as you prepare for the days ahead. Knowledge is power. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Several models have been prepared, but I am using the Global Deterioration Scale, also known as the Reisberg Scale. Remember that these are general guidelines. Time spans for each stage are approximate. Every Alzheimer\u2019s journey is unique.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stage 1 \u2013 No impairment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stage 2 \u2013 Minimal impairment as memory lapses and cognitive changes go undetected by others, especially since almost half of all people over 65 begin noticing problems in concentration and word recall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stage 3 \u2013 Mild impairment (2 to 7 years) transpires as subtle difficulties influence cognitive function. Signs include difficulty retrieving words, misplacing objects, inability to plan and organize, and forgetting recent learning to the degree that life at home and work is impacted. Depression and other changes in mood may occur. Often, the person may try to cover up these problems. There is a window of time, usually in the early stages, when a person recognizes their deficits and, by \u201ccalling on\u201d all the brain\u2019s resources, can compensate for neurological limitations. Research has revealed that during the early stages of the disease, a person performing a memory test has increased activity in the front part of the brain \u2013 the prefrontal region. Many times, I have observed someone, who it seems, \u201cmusters every cell of his\/her brain\u201d to enable a proper response to a challenging situation. This ability has always amazed me, especially because it occurs independently of other, not-so-proper actions. In psychology this ability is referred to as \u201ccompensating\u201d and defined as an attempt to conceal or offset a disability or frustration. Some people can do this so well that the caregiver may temporarily consider all is well with their loved one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stage 4 \u2013 Mild Alzheimer\u2019s (about 2 years) includes the development of mathematical challenges such as the inability to handle finances; increasing forgetfulness of recent events; and problems performing chronological tasks such as cooking, driving and ordering from a menu. Self and familial recognition is usually intact at this stage, but withdrawal from social situations is common. The person may deny problems and become defensive. An accurate diagnosis of Alzheimer\u2019s is possible at this stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stage 5 \u2013 Moderate Alzheimer\u2019s (average 1.5 years) includes severe decline in abilities, requiring increased supervision and assistance. Recall of personal history details is lost and there is frequent disorientation regarding time and place. Judgment skills deteriorate, making the person vulnerable to scams. Safety risks are an issue. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stage 6 – Moderately Severe Alzheimer\u2019s (2.5 years) is marked by a total unawareness of present events and the inability to remember the past. The ability to perform any personal care (dressing, toileting, eating) is progressively lost. Response to nonverbal stimuli and the ability to communicate pleasure and pain by behavior are still possible. Dramatic changes \u2013 such as late afternoon agitation or hallucinations, wandering, or suspicion of family members \u2013 are common. This is the stage in which your loved one may no longer recognize you but may still know you are \u201cfamiliar.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stage 7 \u2013 In the Final Stage (1 to 2.5 years) speech becomes severely limited, as does the ability to walk or sit. Total, around the clock care is required. \u201cDuration is impacted<\/em><\/strong> by quality of care.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n That last line is a direct quote from this disease model and may be the most important to remember. Even in a disease as grim as Alzheimer\u2019s, you can find hope in knowing that as a caregiver, the quality of care you provide does make a difference. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Caring definition<\/strong>: Impact<\/em><\/strong> \u2013 the effect or influence of one<\/strong> person, place or thing on another.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" A first cousin – just a few years older than myself. The husband of a lovely lady I have known since grammar school. The mother of a relative by marriage. It seems every week or so I hear of someone else beginning the Alzheimer\u2019s journey. It is a long, difficult road. What a difference it makes to have a loved one travel with you. Now the sixth leading cause of death in our nation, one in three seniors die with…<\/p>\n