{"id":174,"date":"2019-10-01T11:08:42","date_gmt":"2019-10-01T16:08:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/info.eugeria.ca\/?p=174"},"modified":"2020-09-01T17:35:07","modified_gmt":"2020-09-01T21:35:07","slug":"the-evolution-of-alzheimers-disease-what-to-expect","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/info.eugeria.ca\/en\/the-evolution-of-alzheimers-disease-what-to-expect\/","title":{"rendered":"The Evolution of Alzheimer\u2019s Disease: What to Expect"},"content":{"rendered":"

A diagnosis of Alzheimer\u2019s Disease, whether for us or a loved one, is often distressing at first. Even if there currently isn\u2019t a cure for the disease, a lot is known about it. Better understanding Alzheimer\u2019s and the 7 stages of its evolution can help us prepare for the future and address the problems that occur over time.<\/em><\/p>\n

It\u2019s normal to feel distraught following a diagnosis of Alzheimer\u2019s Disease. So many questions come up and it\u2019s often hard to find clear answers for them. When we don\u2019t know what to expect, it\u2019s only natural to fear the future.<\/p>\n

A better way of gaining control over a diagnosis of Alzheimer\u2019s is to prepare for what may be coming. Knowing how Alzheimer\u2019s evolves makes it easier to accompany and care for a loved one with the disease. Better understanding Alzheimer\u2019s means gaining more control over its impact on our lives.<\/p>\n

The Reisberg scale (or Global Deterioration Scale – GDS) is frequently used to describe the evolution of Alzheimer\u2019s Disease. It comprises 7 stages, starting at 1, the mildest stage, and going to 7, the most advanced stage. It\u2019s important to know that stages 1 to 3 do\u00a0not<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0refer to dementia. It is only when Alzheimer\u2019s Disease has evolved to stages 4 and beyond that someone\u00a0has<\/em>\u00a0dementia due to Alzheimer\u2019s Disease. Read\u00a0this article<\/a>\u00a0to understand the difference between Alzheimer\u2019s and dementia.<\/p>\n

The evolution of Alzheimer\u2019s Disease usually follows a specific sequence of symptoms. Here is a broad outline:<\/p>\n

1. No cognitive decline<\/h3>\n

There aren\u2019t any symptoms of Alzheimer\u2019s Disease. The disease can only be detected using very advanced tests that are not routinely used (mostly used in research settings).<\/p>\n

2. Very mild cognitive decline<\/h3>\n

A person at this stage has very minor symptoms such as forgetting names or occasionally misplacing objects. The decline is not detectable by loved ones or by healthcare professionals. Symptoms do not interfere with work or social activities. These changes can be considered part of normal aging.<\/p>\n

3. Mild cognitive decline<\/h3>\n

The first detectable symptoms develop:<\/p>\n