EASTERN GERIATRICS ASSOCIATES
FIND US AT THE CORNER OF LOVE AND CARE
NEWS
Every person with Alzheimer’s experiences the disease differently, but people tend to experience a similar trajectory from the beginning of the illness to its end. The precise number of stages of Alzheimer’s is somewhat arbitrary. Some experts use a simple three-phase model (early, moderate and end), while others have found a granular breakdown to be a more useful aid to understanding the progression of the illness.
The most common system, developed by Dr. Barry Reisberg of New York University, breaks the progression of Alzheimer’s disease into seven stages.
Here is a summary of the seven stages of Alzheimer’s based on Dr. Resiberg’s system:
Stage 1: No Impairment
During this stage, Alzheimer’s is not detectable and no memory problems or other symptoms of dementia are evident.
Stage 2: Very Mild Decline
The senior may notice minor memory problems or lose things around the house, although not to the point where the memory loss can easily be distinguished from normal age-related memory loss. The person will still do well on memory tests and the disease is unlikely to be detected by loved ones or physicians.
Stage 3: Mild Decline
At this stage, the family members and friends of the senior may begin to notice cognitive problems. Performance on memory tests are affected and physicians will be able to detect impaired cognitive function.
People in stage 3 will have difficulty in many areas including:
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Finding the right word during conversations
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Organizing and planning
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Remembering names of new acquaintances
People with stage three Alzheimer’s may also frequently lose personal possessions, including valuables.
Stage 4: Moderate Decline
In stage four of Alzheimer’s, clear-cut symptoms of the disease are apparent. People with stage four of Alzheimer’s:
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Have difficulty with simple arithmetic
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Have poor short-term memory (may not recall what they ate for breakfast, for example)
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Inability to manage finance and pay bills
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May forget details about their life histories
Stage 5: Moderately Severe Decline
During the fifth stage of Alzheimer’s, people begin to need help with many day-to-day activities. People in stage five of the disease may experience:
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Difficulty dressing appropriately
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Inability to recall simple details about themselves such as their own phone number
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Significant confusion
On the other hand, people in stage five maintain functionality. They typically can still bathe and toilet independently. They also usually still know their family members and some detail about their personal histories, especially their childhood and youth.
Stage 6: Severe Decline
People with the sixth stage of Alzheimer’s need constant supervision and frequently require professional care. Symptoms include:
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Confusion or unawareness of environment and surroundings
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Inability to recognize faces except for the closest friends and relatives
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Inability to remember most details of personal history
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Loss of bladder and bowel control
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Major personality changes and potential behavior problems
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The need for assistance with activities of daily living such as toileting and bathing
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Wandering
Stages 7: Very Severe Decline
Stage seven is the final stage of Alzheimer’s. Because the disease is a terminal illness, people in stage seven are nearing death. In stage seven of the disease, people lose the ability to communicate or respond to their environment. While they may still be able to utter words and phrases, they have no insight into their condition and need assistance with all activities of daily living. In the final stages of Alzheimer’s, people may lose their ability to swallow.

ABOUT US
Dr Ali Kosari MD,FRACP
Dr Ali Kosari is the founder of Easter Geriatric Associates. He is a Physician consultant and a Geriatrician and has been practicing medicine for more than 15 years.
He is the medical director at Epworth Health-check and a member of Medical Advisory committee.
He has also obtained Clinical Diploma in Pain and Palliative Medicine.

CONTACT US
To arrange an appointment:
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Patients and Family Members
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Consult your GP and request a referral to us
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Call us to make an appointment
General Practitioners
Referrals can be faxed or emailed to our secure email:
or eFax:03 9923 6410
MEDICARE BILLING:
Private fee with medicare rebate available.
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BULK-BILLING:
Bulk-billing can be arranged upon GP request.
Address:
1.Suite 1A, Knox Private Hospital, 262 Mountain Hwy, Wantirna, VIC 3152
2. Melbourne Arthritis and specialists centre,389 Canterbury Rd,Forest Hill,Vic,3131
3. Epworth Camberwell,Suite2,888 Toorak Road,Camberwell,Vic 3124
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