Alzheimer Family Program

Alzheimer's ...Know the disease

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia which involves the parts of the brain that control thought, memory and language.

Alzheimer’s disease begins slowly. The first symptoms may be mild forgetfulness, trouble remembering recent events, names for familiar people or things and a slight decrease in intellectual abilities such as arithmetic.

Early Stage

• Decline in ability to plan and organize
• Lack of ability to retain new information
• Performance difficulties in work environment
• Problems with memory and concentration

Middle Stage

• Much intellectual impairment and psychiatric/behavioral problems
• Confusion about location, date, day of the week or season of the year
• Difficulty following instructions
• Continually repeating stories and asking the same questions over and over
• Wandering and needing help choosing proper clothing

Late Stage

• Multiple, severe intellectual impairments
• Problems with walking, talking, chewing and swallowing
• Loss of bowel and bladder functions
• Failure to recognize family members
• Difficulty with all essential activities of daily living

Source: Adapted From - Dementia Education and Training Program