Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias: Symptoms, Stages, and Communication Strategies Expanded ____
Stage 4
Moderate cognitive decline; mild dementia
• Diagnosis by a trained professional can be made with great accuracy • May sense a loss of independence • May become forgetful with finances, bill paying, organizing the home • Poor time management • May inadvertently engage in unsafe behavior (e.g., leave door unlocked or forget to shut off oven) • May be aware but lack understanding
• May be in denial or embarrassed • May isolate and avoid socialization
Stage 5
Moderately severe cognitive decline; moderate dementia • Evident decline in activities of daily living • May start to wear the same clothing, be resistant to changing • Needs daily assistance with life management, including finances • Cannot recall daily occurrences, cannot comprehend concepts such as the weather or their current address
• Memory is erratic from moment to moment • May exhibit a lack of control, agitation, and aggression
Stage 6
Severe cognitive decline; moderately severe dementia • Will be unable to dress themselves properly • Will require full-time oversight and assistance for activities of daily living • Bathing issues present—may not discern water temperature, and personal hygiene will be impaired, including toileting and brushing teeth; ultimately person becomes incontinent
Neurons are comprised of the following: • Cell body: Houses the nucleus that directs and manages cell activity • Dendrites: Like tree branch structures that extend from the cell body to communicate with other neurons • Axon: Cable-like structures extend from the cell body, opposite the dendrites; share/transmit messages to the neurons • Unintelligible; speaks very few words • Physical decline imminent due to lack of self-care • People with AD who have been in good physical health and do not have cooccurring illnesses may be able to maintain some abilities longer • Limited to no mobility • Ultimately, rigid and unable to move • More vulnerable to normal aging diseases that can impact mortality Table 3 (continued) • Will exhibit radical changes in emotions and express frustration with inability to communicate
Stage 7
Very severe cognitive decline; severe dementia
IMPACT OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE ON THE BRAIN A typical healthy brain is comprised of billions of neurons that transfer signals and information from the brain throughout the body to communicate overall functioning (Flo et al., 2022). Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disruptor, impacting normal functioning and impairing communication between neurons. This results in diminished capabilities.
8
EliteLearning.com/Psychology
Powered by FlippingBook