By skyforbes 
To help define the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, Dr. Barry Reisberg developed the Global Deterioration Scale (GDS), which outlines seven stages often condensed into early, middle, and late.
Alzheimer’s disease—the most common dementia—is a progressive neurological condition that typically affects older adults and causes symptoms like memory loss, confusion, and changes in behavior.
There are no issues with memory or thinking in the first stage of Alzheimer’s disease. A person may be in this stage for years. Brain changes may already be present, even though signs are absent.
Healthcare providers may use neurological exams and behavioral or cognitive tests, but they may be insufficient to detect Alzheimer’s disease at this stage. A different type of exam may find biomarkers, or signs of the disease.
Some biomarkers may indicate low levels of beta-amyloid proteins and high levels of tau proteins. Both are early warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease.
Symptoms may become noticeable in the second stage of Alzheimer’s disease. Similar to the first stage, this state does not show significant clinical evidence of dementia.
Some people may report memory problems, such as forgetting familiar names or struggling to recall where they put everyday objects.
The third stage of Alzheimer’s disease is also known as mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
Symptoms of MCI include:
- Difficulty finding words
- Occasional forgetfulness
- Misplacing items
Clinical tests and evaluations can pick up signs of impairment, especially those related to concentration.
With stage 4, a healthcare provider can detect clear signs of Alzheimer’s disease in clinical tests and evaluations.
People may have difficulty remembering parts of their personal experiences and reduced comprehension of current events. They can generally remember what time and day it is, where they are, and recognize familiar faces.
The fifth stage of Alzheimer’s disease is known as moderate dementia. Clinical tests and evaluations can root out memory and cognitive deficits.
People in this stage of Alzheimer’s disease may have symptoms like:
- Difficulty identifying the date, day of the week, or season
- Having a hard time getting dressed by themselves
- Inability to count down from 20 by twos or fours
- Trouble remembering important parts of their life, such as their address or names
Some people in this stage may retain long-term memories of major life events or the names of their spouses and children. Motor tasks, such as using the restroom or eating, may also come easily.
When a person is in the sixth stage of Alzheimer’s disease, they have noticeable difficulty with memory and thinking.
Symptoms of this stage include:
- Difficulty counting down from 10
- Inability to recall recent events
- Incontinence, or a lack of bladder or bowel control
- Needing assistance with basic daily activities
- Occasional inability to remember the names of a spouse, partner, or caregiver
- Trouble with speech (e.g., stuttering)
Stage 7, or late-stage Alzheimer’s disease, can last from weeks to years. A person in this stage loses most, if not all, of their independence.
Thinking, memory, and control over bodily functions severely decline. People in stage 7 will often require full-time support from a caregiver.
Alzheimer’s disease prognosis varies on a personal basis. People may live 4-8 years after diagnosis. This time may reach up to 20 years for some people.
It is important to note that Alzheimer’s disease does not lead to death. It becomes fatal because of complications like pneumonia.
There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. Medication-based treatments are available to help manage symptoms, such as:
- Cholinesterase inhibitors: These can treat all stages of Alzheimer’s disease. They help increase acetylcholine, or a neurotransmitter that helps with cognitive functions.
- Memantine: This treats moderate-to-severe Alzheimer’s disease. It affects how fast intracellular calcium builds up. Intracellular calcium plays a role in learning and memory.
Ways to possibly slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease include:
- Avoid smoking: A higher risk of cognitive decline has been associated with smoking.
- Eat a balanced diet: Diets low in fat with high fruit and vegetable consumption may lower the risk of cognitive decline.
- Exercise regularly: Aerobic exercise has been shown to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Cardio increases blood flow throughout the body.
- Keep your brain active: Consider doing puzzles or strategic card games. Spend social time with others or do something personally meaningful, such as volunteering.
Alzheimer’s disease progresses through seven stages based on the GDS. There is no cure, but medical treatment and lifestyle changes may help manage the condition or slow its progression.
Do your best to help your loved one receive a proper diagnosis if you notice them starting to display signs of Alzheimer’s disease.