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How Can You Recognize the Stages of Alzheimer’s?

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It’s instinctive to want a map. Where’s the next turn? What’s the next step? It’s a human thought pattern. We at least think we want to know what happens next.

After we find out that a loved one has Alzheimer’s disease (or any other disease) it’s only natural to research it. What can we expect and when can we expect it?

The National Alzheimer’s Association has developed a very useful tool, or “staging system,” to use as a frame of reference when coping with Alzheimer’s disease. The organization, however, will be the first to tell you that people are not programmed to follow these stages in a direct line. No matter how much we’d like to “know” what stage someone is in, we can’t. One day, our loved one may seem like he or she is in stage five, and the next day the disease may seem more like stage four or six. With that in mind, we’ll look at the stages as presented by the National Alzheimer’s Association, so we at least have a shot at some order.

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gingergirl931 said
Apr 29, 2008

I lost my daddy to alzheimers on valentines day of this year. I was his main caregiver and we chose to keep him at home.I'm so glad that i did. I miss him so much but I know he would not want to be here in the shape he was in. My question is...will my get this terrible disease? Is it hereditary? need some answers!!!!

bound4heaven said
May 7, 2008

My mother has alzheimers. I think she is in stage 5...according to what I can find out from this site. I think my grandmother also had it although it wasn't diagnosed. My uncle took care of her til she died. I work with alzheimer's patients at a personal care home and recognized the symptoms in my mother long ago

twoc2ps said
May 17, 2008

My grandmother is 100 and my mom thinks everything is ok?! I have read this web page and many others. I know my mom is in denial any one have any suggetions how to handle this? According to what I ahve read, my granmother has all 7 warning signs of alzheimers. I want to help but I feel that my mom thinks that her mother(my grandmother) is just minipulating her.
Oh by the way we live in an extended family home, I know this will effect my children.
Any suggestions are welcomed.

cindi said
May 17, 2008

Two...
good luck. Your mom doesn't want to believe your grandmother might have altzheimers. But eventually she will have to face it. Until then not much you can prove to her. Living in an extended family situation is very difficult. My parents live with us now. It will affect your kids....everything does..both positive and negative. I suggest sit tight, and learn what you can do to help with the alzheimers...also grandma can be taken into a doctor's (neurologist and have it diagnosed)...

Cindi

Tay said
Nov 18, 2008

I'm afraid my mother-in law has this. My father-in law does and I believe he is in stage 4/5. I don't know what to do. Her personality has changed. Its very difficult for anyone to be around them. She has become very mean but yet scared of everything. What do I do.?

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Sheri Samotin

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Sheri Samotin brings more than 25 years of business and management experience to LifeBridge Solutions. Sheri is a graduate of Wesleyan University and holds an MBA from Dartmouth College. Sheri is a member of numerous professional organizations and serves on the steering committee of Collier County’s Leadership Council on Aging.

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