The Stages of the Disease

Three stages have been identified in the progress of the disease. The rate of progress, however, varies from person to person. It is difficult to predict how long each stage will last and how rapidly the disease will progress.

• The Early Stage
• The Middle Stage
• The Late Stage

The Early Stage

The early stage is often incorrectly labelled by relatives and friends as “Old Age” and overlooked as a normal part of the process of ageing. Because the onset of the disease is gradual it is difficult to identify the exact time it begins.
The person may:

• Show difficulties with language.
• Experience significant memory loss - especially short term.
• Be disoriented in time.
• Become lost in familiar places.
• Display difficulty in making decisions.
• Lack initiative and motivation.
• Show signs of depression and aggression.
• Show a loss of interest in hobbies and activities.

The Middle Stage

As the disease progresses the problems become more evident and restricting. The person with AD has difficulty with day to day living and

• May become very forgetful, especially of recent events and people’s names.
• Can no longer manage to live alone without problems.
• Is unable to cook, clean or shop.
• May become extremely dependent.
• Needs assistance with personal hygiene routines such as toilet, washing and dressing.
• Has increased difficulty with speech.
• Exhibits wandering and other behavioural abnormalities.
• Becomes lost at home and in the Community.
• May experience hallucinations.

The Late Stage

This stage is one of total dependence and inactivity. Memory disturbances are very serious and the physical side of the disease becomes more obvious.
The person may:

• Have difficulty eating.
• Not recognise relatives, friends and familiar objects.
• Have difficulty understanding and interpreting events.
• Be unable to find the way around in the home.
• Have difficulty in walking.
• Have bladder and bowel incontinence.
• Display inappropriate behaviour in public.
• Be confined to a wheel chair or bed.