First Phase

During the initial stages of Dr. Reisberg’s scale, seniors may simply experience mild forgetfulness or memory loss.

Second Phase

During the second stage of the illness, the symptoms become more pronounced and occur more frequently. Some of the symptoms include forgetting where items are located, the names of family members, and the meanings of common words.

If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of home care San Diego families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.

Third Phase

The moderate phase begins and progresses over two to four years, and the entire phase may extend up to seven years. However, only immediate family members or close friends are able to detect the changes. Symptoms include a decrease in reading comprehension, increased difficulty concentrating, and getting lost outdoors. 

Fourth Phase

The fourth stage of Alzheimer’s may last approximately two years. Testing by a healthcare provider reveals cognitive deficits. Seniors might display unusual mood changes or become more withdrawn. Other symptoms include forgetting personal history, having difficulty handling personal finances, and being unable to count backward from 100 by seven. 

Fifth Phase

The fifth stage is considered moderate to moderately severe, and it lasts approximately 18 months. During this time, seniors need increasing care and support, and they often exhibit anger or suspicion. Behavioral changes commonly occur during the late afternoon, which is referred to as sundowning. Older adults are often not aware of weather conditions and cannot remember their own addresses or major events. 

Sixth Phase

The sixth stage is moderately severe, and it lasts about 2.5 years. Seniors in this stage commonly need help choosing clothes and getting dressed properly. They’re no longer concerned with personal hygiene and need assistance adjusting water temperatures before bathing. It’s not uncommon to lose bladder and bowel control. 

The degree of memory loss is also more pronounced. Seniors aren’t aware of current events and may forget life events and confuse the identities of family members. They also cannot count backward by ten. Behavior issues become more apparent when they’re confused or frustrated. Sleep patterns change, which leads to nighttime wandering. 

If your elderly loved one is living with a serious medical condition and needs help managing the tasks of daily living, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a senior care agency you can trust. Our caregivers are available 24/7, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our in-home care services.

Seventh Phase

The final and most severe stage of the disease lasts up to 18 months. As the last phase progresses, seniors often develop more physical disabilities. They may only be able to speak a handful of words and eventually lose the ability to sit up in a chair, walk, or feed themselves. The body stiffens as muscles and connective tissues harden and become shorter. The lack of physical movement puts them at high risk for developing pneumonia. Without the right assistance, Alzheimer’s can be challenging for seniors and their families to handle. If you’re looking for professional Alzheimer’s care, San Diego Assisting Hands Home Care provides high-quality care aging adults and their families can count on. All of our caregivers are trained to help seniors with Alzheimer’s live happier and healthier lives, and we also provide specialized dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care. To learn about our high-quality in-home care options, give us a call today.