Mild, or Early Stage

Most people at this stage can still manage many of their daily activities themselves but may need some assistance or support to stay organized.

Possible Changes

Everyday activities

• Having trouble carrying out tasks that require multiple steps, like balancing a checkbook or following a recipe
• Getting lost, even in familiar places
• Spending less time doing favorite hobbies

Behavior and mood

• Feeling sad, depressed, or anxious
• Avoiding social situations

Cognition — memory and thinking

• Having trouble remembering appointments, people's names, or things that happened recently
• Losing or misplacing items
• Having trouble finding words when speaking

Steps the person with Alzheimer's disease and the care partner can take

• Ask a trusted friend or family member to help manage money
• Write reminders in the same place, such as a calendar or notepad, and look at them often
• Keep a list near the telephone of the names and telephone numbers of family and friends, along with their photos
• Put labels or pictures on cabinets, drawers, and closets so that things can be found easily
• Talk about your feelings with friends, family, clergy, or other professionals
• Consider enrolling in adult education, recreation, or fitness classes to stay physically and mentally active

Moderate, or Mid Stage

People at this stage may have more trouble taking care of themselves, but they can still be involved in their daily care and follow a comfortable routine.

Possible Changes

Everyday activities

• Needing help to take a bath or shower, choose clothing, or get dressed
• Needing reminders to eat

Behavior and mood

• Changing sleep habits, such as remaining awake at night and sleeping during the day
• Feeling restless or wandering, especially in the late afternoon or evening
• Getting suspicious, angry, or easily upset

Cognition — memory and thinking

• Having trouble recognizing family members
• Having difficulty expressing self and understanding others

Steps the person with Alzheimer's disease can take

• Stay involved in things you enjoy doing, even if for shorter periods of time
• Share your memories with people in your family; tell stories or create a scrapbook
• Get some exercise each day

Steps the care partner can take

• Speak slowly and clearly; show what you mean as you say it
• Plan for exercise and other physical activity during the day to promote sleep at night
• Involve the person in favorite activities
• Research community resources to provide help, such as home healthcare agencies or adult day centers

To learn more, please come to one of our upcoming sessions.

Severe, or Late Stage

People at this stage often require complete assistance with daily care.

Possible Changes

Everyday activities

• Needing help to eat
• Needing help to stand and walk
• Needing help to use the bathroom

Behavior and mood

• Touching or patting things over and over
• Sleeping more often

Cognition — memory and thinking

• Speaking less and less
• May respond less frequently to care partners

Steps the care partner can take

• Make the person comfortable
• Get help with daily care
• Play music or read to the person, or just sit close by
• Use touch to stay connected in addition to using words. For example, give hand massages with scented lotion