Alzheimer’s actually manifests itself in different stages. Each stage, or series of stages, is defined as early-onset, mild to moderate, moderate to severe, and at the last, severe Alzheimer’s.
The first three stages include no discernable Alzheimer’s symptoms at all (Stage 1). As time passes, then gradual discernment as the patient begins to forget simple things, such as where an item was originally placed, or placing an item in an unusual place (such as car keys in the refrigerator) becomes more frequent and more noticeable (Stage 2.)
The third stage, in which the symptoms can no longer be ignored or passed off as simple forgetfulness or carelessness, is when Alzheimer’s can usually be diagnosed. At this time, the diagnosis is usually classified as early-onset Alzheimer’s.
There is no time period for how rapidly or how slowly a patient will progress through the stages. Early-onset Alzheimer’s may last for years, during which time the patient can use medication, mild exercise, and engaging in simple mind-exercise games, such as working crossword puzzles or even simple arithmetic problems, to name a few, to retain the mental acuity still present.
If a patient or patient’s loved ones even suspect that early-onset Alzheimer’s symptoms are present, consulting a health-care professional immediately can allow the patient to continue to live a fairly normal life for a longer period of time before the disease shows any progression. This way, even though it is known that Alzheimer’s is present, the patient and loved ones alike can still enjoy each other and life in general for a little while longer.
Wed, Apr 7, 2010
Gender-Related Health, Health, Muscles & Bones