The 7 Stages of Alzheimer’s: What to Expect as the Disease Progresses | Attainable Care Solutions — Jacksonville, FL
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. It doesn’t happen overnight — symptoms develop gradually and worsen over time. Understanding the 7 stages of Alzheimer’s can help families prepare emotionally and practically as the disease progresses.
At Attainable Care Solutions, we guide families through each stage with compassion, education, and expert support, ensuring that no one faces this journey alone.
Why Are There 7 Stages?
The 7-stage framework is based on the Global Deterioration Scale (GDS), which outlines how Alzheimer’s affects cognitive function. While every individual’s experience is unique, these stages provide a roadmap to help families understand and plan for what’s ahead.
The 7 Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease
Stage 1: No Impairment
No noticeable symptoms.
Cognitive tests show normal function.
You may not even know the disease is present yet.
This stage is usually identified only through research or genetic testing.
Stage 2: Very Mild Decline
Occasional forgetfulness (e.g., misplacing items, forgetting names).
Symptoms are often dismissed as “normal aging.”
Often goes unnoticed but may be the earliest sign of changes in the brain.
Stage 3: Mild Cognitive Decline
Noticeable memory lapses.
Trouble concentrating or finding the right words.
May struggle with planning or organizing.
Friends or family may begin to notice changes.
Stage 4: Moderate Cognitive Decline (Mild Alzheimer’s)
Difficulty with complex tasks (e.g., managing finances, following instructions).
Increased forgetfulness, especially with recent events.
Mood changes may appear (withdrawal, anxiety).
This is often the stage where a diagnosis becomes more clear.
Stage 5: Moderately Severe Decline (Moderate Alzheimer’s)
Requires help with day-to-day activities (e.g., dressing, meal planning).
May forget important details like home address or phone number.
Confusion about time or place.
Independence starts to decline significantly.
Stage 6: Severe Decline (Moderately Severe Alzheimer’s)
Needs extensive assistance with personal care.
May forget names of close family members.
Personality changes, sleep disturbances, and delusions may occur.
24/7 supervision and memory care often become necessary.
Stage 7: Very Severe Decline (Late-Stage Alzheimer’s)
Loss of ability to communicate or respond to the environment.
Difficulty swallowing, walking, or controlling bodily functions.
Total dependence on caregivers.
This is the most advanced and emotionally challenging stage.
Supporting Your Loved One Through the Stages
The progression of Alzheimer’s is not just hard on the individual — it deeply affects families. Each stage requires different care strategies, emotional support, and sometimes professional intervention.
At Attainable Care Solutions, we provide:
In-home and facility-based memory care
Dementia-trained caregivers
Personalized care plans tailored to the stage of Alzheimer’s
Family guidance and emotional support every step of the way
Let Us Walk This Journey With You
Whether you’re in the early stages or facing the challenges of late-stage Alzheimer’s, Attainable Care Solutions is here to help. You don’t have to do this alone.
👉 Visit: www.attainablecare.com
📞 Call us at: +167 889 50046
📧 Email: support@attainablecare.com