What Are The Stages Of Alzheimer's Disease And How Is Each Managed?

Medically reviewed by April Justice, LICSW and Dr. Jennie Stanford, MD, FAAFP, DipABOM
Updated November 5, 2024by BetterHelp Editorial Team

Coping with the stages of Alzheimer's disease can be difficult for those going through this progressively degenerative disease and for the loved ones who act as their caregivers. The condition impacts millions of people worldwide. 

With such a large portion of the population directly affected by Alzheimer's disease, understanding its different phases and how best to care for a loved one affected by it is often a priority. Looking at the various stages of Alzheimer's disease, the signs and symptoms associated with each stage, how the individual changes in each stage, and the levels of management and care that may be required can be helpful whether you have been diagnosed or have a loved one with the condition.

Navigating Alzheimer’s can be challenging

How many stages of Alzheimer’s disease are there?

As a chronic neurodegenerative disease, Alzheimer's disease results in the deterioration and loss of neurons in the brain, which influences how experts identify the stages of Alzheimer's disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over five million people in the United States currently live with Alzheimer's disease. 

Five stages of Alzheimer’s disease

The stages of this condition overlap somewhat and can be considered a continuum of symptoms, rather than distinct stages. While you may find that the ever-increasing severity of dementia in Alzheimer's disease is a common thread, some sources break down Alzheimer's disease progression into as many as seven stages, while some choose only three. Below are five proposed stages: 

  1. Preclinical Alzheimer's disease
  2. Alzheimer's disease with mild cognitive impairment
  3. Alzheimer's disease with mild dementia
  4. Alzheimer's disease with moderate dementia
  5. Alzheimer's disease with severe dementia

Preclinical Alzheimer's disease

The earliest signs of Alzheimer's disease are often connected to short-term memory difficulties. They may go unnoticed by those who are affected and those close to them, or they may be mistaken for being a natural part of aging. Specific neuropsychological tests can detect some minor cognitive changes that mark the transition from normal aging to Alzheimer's years before an individual is diagnosed with the disease. At this stage, the individual can still function at a high level and score highly on memory tests.

Symptoms of the preclinical stage

Below are a few common symptoms of the preclinical stage of Alzheimer's disease: 

  • Increased apathy (lack of motivation, interest in, or concern for what is happening in the surroundings)
  • Shortened attention span
  • The impaired ability for abstract thinking
  • Mild depression
  • Subtle changes in mood and personality
  • Occasional forgetfulness
  • Difficulty learning new skills 
  • Slight difficulty with complex daily living activities such as grooming and work

Management of symptoms in the preclinical stage

In the preclinical stage, individuals are often capable of looking after themselves. To cope with short-term memory loss, they may make lists of tasks to be done and post reminders that can be seen daily to remember necessary appointments. Some lifestyle changes, such as eating more nutritious meals and being physically active and socially engaged, may help.

Since it may be impossible at this early stage to tell whether the symptoms experienced are Alzheimer's disease or normal aging, family and friends may keep these individuals engaged by spending more time with them and involving them in regular family activities.

Alzheimer's disease with mild cognitive impairment

In the second stage of Alzheimer's disease, changes can become more noticeable to the individual and those around them. There may be little evidence of the disease affecting functioning at home and work. Although still mild, the impairment is sufficient for diagnosing Alzheimer's disease. Someone in this stage may benefit from help in planning activities or handling their finances.

Symptoms of the mild cognitive impairment stage

Below are some of the most common symptoms of this stage: 

  • A heightened increase in apathy (lack of motivation, interest in, or concern for what is happening in the surroundings)
  • Difficulty remembering details of some significant events from their past
  • Trouble recalling recent events and conversations
  • A tendency to forget appointments
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • A slight reduction in some fine motor skills
  • Difficulty traveling to or finding their way around new places
  • Increasingly poor judgment
  • Difficulty finding the right words in a conversation
  • A lack of awareness of the extent to which they are affected
  • Bouts of depression, aggression, and anxiety

Management of the mild cognitive impairment stage

Persons in the second stage may still care for themselves, but the above symptoms are now more noticeable to those close to them. They may still be able to drive but may be encouraged by their family to consider other forms of transportation.

Medical professionals may be able to say whether one is experiencing early-stage Alzheimer's disease or another condition. For example, a urinary tract infection can cause confusion, which may be confused with dementia. Treatment at this stage may be for accompanying conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure.

Continued physical, mental, and social activity can also be encouraged. Some individuals at this stage may enjoy and benefit from telling their life stories, whether by talking with others or by writing them down. People at this stage may also require frequent reminders about taking any medication prescribed to them.

Family and friends may help by routinely checking that seniors can cope with their daily living activities, such as eating regular meals or cleaning themselves after toileting. Caregivers can also ensure the individual's dignity and independence remain respected. Individuals may also start discussions of advanced financial planning and long-term care. 

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Alzheimer's disease with mild dementia

Memory and cognitive ability show marked signs of decline in the mild dementia stage, and it may become more apparent that the individual is experiencing dementia. The above highlighted symptoms may get progressively worse. A doctor can often make a confident diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease at this point.

Symptoms of the mild dementia stage

Below are a few common symptoms noted during the mild dementia stage: 

  • Further increased apathy 
  • Confusion or forgetfulness 
  • Difficulty with meal preparation
  • A decreasing ability to manage finances and medication
  • Difficulty recalling the sequence of significant world events
  • Increased anxiety, depression, and delusions 
  • Repetitive questions 
  • Increased difficulty finding words
  • Getting lost in unfamiliar settings 

Management of the mild dementia stage: Medications for memory loss

At this stage, an individual's doctor may recommend FDA-approved medications to treat memory loss, reasoning ability, and other cognitive functions. A caregiver may best handle medication management, as the individual may not be able to manage their medication, including with reminders. 

Take special care with the finances of seniors with Alzheimer's disease, as they are at increased risk of becoming survivors of fraud. Losing their life savings at this point can significantly lower the standard of care they can receive as the stages of Alzheimer's disease progress. The resulting financial burden may be too much for family and loved ones to bear.

For safety, appliances such as the stove may have to be removed or disabled. Pointed kitchen implements may also need to be stored out of sight and out of reach. Another safety issue arises if the senior with Alzheimer's disease is still driving. Try to explain to them the danger they pose, not just to themselves but to others on the road.

The BetterHelp platform is not intended to provide any information regarding which medication or medical treatment may be appropriate for you. The content provides generalized information that is not specific to one individual. Do not take any action (including starting, stopping, or changing medications) without consulting a qualified medical professional.

Alzheimer's disease with moderate dementia

In the moderate dementia stage, symptoms continue to worsen, and daily living activities pose a challenge, with health and hygiene negatively affected. The senior's safety becomes a major cause for concern in this stage as coordination continues to fade. There may be an increased risk for the individual with Alzheimer's disease to become delusional and wander off.

Symptoms of the moderate dementia stage

Below are the most common signs of moderate dementia: 

  • Increased signs of apathy 
  • Difficulty selecting clothes appropriate to the occasion or weather
  • Confusing the sequence of getting dressed
  • Requiring support with daily living activities, such as bathing and grooming
  • Urinary and fecal incontinence 
  • Difficulty remembering family and friends
  • Mistaking strangers for family and friends 
  • Displaying unjustified distrust of family and friends
  • Restlessness, agitation, and aggression 
  • Disturbed sleep and irregular sleep patterns
  • Repetitive behavior, such as handwringing
  • Difficulty recalling important information, such as one's address and telephone number
  • The tendency to repeat fond memories
  • Substituting made-up stories for facts they cannot remember
  • Getting lost in familiar and unfamiliar locations 
  • Wandering 
  • Disorientation 
  • Bouts of delusion 

Management of the moderate dementia stage

Independent living may not be advisable or possible at this stage. Wandering off becomes a more significant issue, so apart from increased attentiveness on the part of caregivers, consideration is often given to safety. Behavioral problems might be eased by ensuring the individual is comfortable, their basic needs are met, and they get sufficient rest. An environment perceived as safe may also lower the frequency of outbursts. Some seniors respond well to having a safety object, perhaps a familiar object from before the onset of the disease.

Keep appointments with the senior's primary healthcare provider so that they can monitor the effectiveness of prescribed medications and determine when it is time for a change. Ensure the doctor is aware of all medication the senior is on and find out about the possible side effects of any newly prescribed medication.

The family members who have acted as caregivers may begin to experience being overwhelmed and struggle to offer the level of care required. In these instances, you might consider hiring a professional to care for the individual at home or moving them to a care facility specializing in caring for someone in the latter stages of Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer's disease with severe dementia

In the severe and final stage of Alzheimer's disease, the decline may be more rapid. The adult with this condition may be bedridden and need round-the-clock care. Keeping the person with Alzheimer's disease comfortable is often the primary concern, along with ensuring they are cared for in a dignified manner.

Symptoms of the severe dementia stage

Below are some of the symptoms of the final dementia stage: 

  • Extreme apathy without much awareness 
  • Stiff muscles and atypical reflexes, often accompanied by significant pain
  • An inability to walk or sit down without assistance
  • Extreme exhaustion
  • Decreased vocabulary to one or a few words 
  • Increased inability to form words and communicate
  • Assistance with all daily living activities
  • Difficulty smiling or holding up the head 
  • Infantile reflexes, such as sucking
  • Grim facial movements
  • Frequent incontinence 
  • Muscle mass deterioration and weight loss
  • Difficulty swallowing 

Management of the severe dementia stage

During the final stage of Alzheimer's disease, your loved one may change physically and mentally, but they can still respond to emotions. Care given with affection can have positive effects on them. Soothing physical contact, such as a gentle hand massage, can help keep seniors connected with the world around them. Movement may also be helpful, so try to reduce their immobility by assisting them in walking around and providing walk aids where possible.

Gently stimulate their other senses, as well. Consider a short daily walk outside, sitting in a quiet garden, or sitting at a window to the outside. Play relaxing music or let them hear your voice as you read out loud to them. For instance, you can try to introduce smells that were once familiar to them, such as a favorite perfume or flower.

“End-of-life care” as one of the stages of Alzheimer’s disease

Pneumonia is identified as the leading cause of death in seniors with Alzheimer's disease. This condition is often linked to the inability to swallow, creating an increased danger of aspiration, which is food entering the windpipe and entering the lungs. Aspiration can cause the lungs to become infected and pneumonia to develop.

The inability to swallow can also lead to malnutrition, another common cause of death for those with Alzheimer's disease. You may make swallowing easier by offering soft foods and feeding the individual each spoonful. Dehydration can also occur because the individual may no longer detect or indicate thirst. For this reason, caregivers often offer sips of water throughout the day. 

Final months of someone with dementia

The end-of-life stage of Alzheimer's disease or dementia can be demanding on caregivers mentally, emotionally, and physically. Family and friends who act as caregivers may allow themselves time off to recharge and focus on their well-being. If another relative or friend cannot take over, consider hiring a professional caregiver for a few hours each week.

The final months of your loved one's life may be challenging. Some families choose this time to opt for institutionalized care. Hospice care, which also considers the caregiver, is also a choice. Regardless of where the care is given, provide care with the utmost positive intentions for the senior, considering their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.

Navigating Alzheimer’s can be challenging

Therapy for caregivers of someone with symptoms of dementia

Caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease or other dementia can be challenging. Providing daily care can be part of one's schedule, but watching a loved one decline can be particularly difficult. Caregivers are often required to care for themselves to continue providing the best care to their loved ones. In these cases, therapy may be beneficial. 

Benefits of online therapy

If you are busy and struggle to find time for in-person therapy, you might benefit from online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp. With an online platform, you can attend treatment from the comfort of your home, or anywhere you have an internet connection. Because you can message your therapist throughout the week, you can reach out when you experience a challenge, even in the middle of the night, and they will get back to you as soon as they can.

Research shows that online therapy is effective. One review found that online treatment resulted in a 50% improvement in symptoms of anxiety and depression and significantly decreased the impact of chronic fatigue and stress.

Takeaway

There is no known cure for Alzheimer's disease, but understanding its stages, symptoms, and management may go a long way in helping you provide your loved one with the best care. If you have Alzheimer's disease and are looking for support, you may also benefit from therapy online or in your area. Consider reaching out to a provider for support. You're not alone, and compassionate care is possible.

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