Alzheimer's disease is a progressive disease generally categorized into three stages by level of impairment – mild, moderate, and severe.
       Outlined below are some major signs and symptoms of the first two stages.
Mild Stage of Alzheimer's Disease
       In this stage, the difficulties caused by the disease will become noticeable to those around the patient. Some common difficulties include:

• The ability to remember names
• A subdued mood or depression
• Forgetting events shortly after they happen
• Difficulty learning new things and making new memories
• Trouble finding words
• May lose their way going to familiar places
• Asking repetitive questions
• Withdrawal, loss of interest, irritability

• May get uncharacteristically angry when frustrated or tired
• Difficulty making choices and decisions
• Losing or misplacing things
• May constantly check, search, or hoard things of no value

Moderate Stage of Alzheimer's Disease
       In this stage, memory worsens and cognitive function declines noticeably. Some assistance with day-to-day activities becomes essential. Common difficulties include:

• Less concern for appearance and personal hygiene
• Poor judgment that creates safety issues when left alone
• Restless, repetitive movements in late afternoon or evening, such as pacing, trying doorknobs, fingering draperies
• May accuse, threaten, curse, fidget, or behave inappropriately, such as kicking, hitting, biting, screaming, or grabbing

• May see, hear, smell, or taste things that are not there
• May be incontinent either all or some of the time

       Though symptoms and progression vary greatly by patient, the mild stage of Alzheimer's disease generally lasts about two years. The moderate stage can last about four years.

From The Comfort of Home™ for Alzheimer's Disease: A Guide for Caregivers, CareTrust Publications © 2008.

Though it's just your loved one who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, you will probably find that the whole family will be deeply affected by it.
   If the patient is your parent, you will be facing a role reversal in caring for them. If you have siblings, you will all have to work together to shoulder the responsibility and make important decisions for your parent's care.

If the patient is a spouse, you will be faced with becoming responsible for someone who has previously been a partner. As you age, you will also be managing your own care as well as your spouse's.

If the patient is your in-law, you may find that your spouse must dedicate more time to caring for their parent, which can infringe upon the time they spend with you and your family. You may also find the patient living with you, though you may not have been prepared for the situation.

If the patient is a grandparent, children may be confused and upset by their behavior. They may also be affected by the toll the patient's care is taking on their parents.

The family may need to reorganize and create a care plan that will support all its members while coping with feelings of sadness, loss, and the fear of change. Plans that have been made and looked forward to may need to be changed or given up. New roles and skills may need to be developed.

The symptoms of Alzheimer's can put a strain on relationships. Tensions can develop about who will provide care, and what kind of care to provide. Therefore, family members can greatly benefit from information, counseling, and support.

As a caregiving family member or friend, you need to prepare as best you can, accept support when it is offered, give yourself permission to make mistakes, and honor your life and that of the person with Alzheimer's disease.

From The Comfort of   Home™   for Alzheimer's Disease: A Guide for Caregivers, CareTrust Publications © 2008.