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TABLE 12 .1 The Stages of Alzheimer's Disease
Short-term memory
Forgetting things
loss, usually minor
occasionally
Being unaware of the ·
Misplacing items, like
memory lapses
keys, eyeglasses, bills,
Some loss, usually .
paperwork
minor, in ability to
Forgetting the names
or titles of some retain recently
things, like movies, learned information
books, people's Forgetting things and
names unable to dredge
Some reduction in 'them up, such as the
ability to recall words name of a good ·, -
when speaking friend or even family
Being "absent- member
minded" or some- Function at home nor-
times hazy on details mally with minimal
"Spacing things out," mental confusion, but
such as appointments may have problems
. at work or in social
situations
Symptoms may not be
noticeable to all but
spouse or close rela-
tives/ friends
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Short-term memory
loss deepens, may
begin to forget con-
versations completely
or name of street
where you live,
names of loved ones
or how to drive a car
Mental confusion
deepens, trouble
thinking logically
Some' loss of self-
awareness
Friends and family -
-notice memory lapses
May become disori-
ented, not know
where you are
Impaired ability to
perform even simple
arithmetic
May become more
·aggressive or pa_ssive
Difficulty sleeping
Depression
Severe cognitive
impairment and short.
term memory loss
Speech impairment
May repeat conversa.
tions over and over
May not know names
of spouse, children I
or caregivers, or what
day or month it is
Very poor reasoning
ability and judgment
Neglect of personal
hygiene
Personality changes,
m~y become abusive,
highly anxious, agi·
tated, delusional, or
. even paranoid
May.need extensiv~.
assistance with actiVJ·
ties of daily living
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