Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder that slowly destroys memory, thinking skills, and, eventually, the ability to carry out simple tasks. People with Alzheimer’s may experience a range of symptoms during the different stages of the disease. In some cases, symptoms may worsen and then improve over time, but the person’s abilities will continue to decline throughout the disease. The different stages of Alzheimer’s include:
- Early-stage Alzheimer’s. In this stage, memory loss and cognitive difficulties appear gradually. People often are diagnosed at this stage of the disease.
- Middle-stage Alzheimer’s. At this stage, damage occurs to areas in the brain that control language, reasoning, sensory processing, and conscious thought. People at this stage may have more confusion and trouble recognizing family and friends.
- Late-stage Alzheimer’s. When a person reaches this stage, they can no longer communicate, are completely dependent on others for care, and may be in bed most or all of the time as the body shuts down.
Learn more about the stages of Alzheimer’s.
