Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. It is the most common cause of dementia, a general term for a decline in cognitive abilities severe enough to interfere with daily life.

Early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s may include forgetfulness, difficulty with problem-solving, confusion with time or place, challenges in completing familiar tasks, changes in mood or personality, and withdrawal from social activities.

Supporting someone in the early stages of Alzheimer’s involves providing emotional support, helping with daily tasks, encouraging independence, promoting a healthy lifestyle, and ensuring a safe environment. It is also important to educate yourself about the disease and seek professional help when needed.

In the middle stages of Alzheimer’s, individuals may experience increased memory loss, confusion, difficulty with communication, changes in behavior and personality, wandering, and trouble with daily activities. Caregivers often face challenges in managing these symptoms and providing appropriate care.

Providing care for someone in the middle stages of Alzheimer’s involves creating a structured routine, ensuring a safe environment, managing challenging behaviors, promoting social engagement, and seeking support from healthcare professionals and support groups.

Late-stage Alzheimer’s is characterized by severe memory loss, inability to communicate, dependence on others for daily activities, increased vulnerability to infections, difficulty swallowing, and changes in physical abilities. Individuals in this stage require round-the-clock care.

Providing comfort for someone in the late stages of Alzheimer’s involves creating a calm and familiar environment, using non-verbal forms of communication, ensuring proper nutrition and hydration, managing pain and discomfort, and offering emotional support to both the individual and their caregivers.