Types of Alzheimer's

Early Onset – Early onset Alzheimer's is a condition in which people younger than 65 develop Alzheimer's symptoms. This accounts for less than 10 percent of all Alzheimer's cases. Early onset Alzheimer's is prevalent among people with Down syndrome as they experience premature aging.

Late Onset – This type of Alzheimer's accounts for 90 percent of all cases. It normally occurs in people over the age of 65. More than half of people over 85 will experience some of the symptoms of Alzheimer's.

Familial Alzheimer's – This type of Alzheimer's is entirely inherited, and is present in two direct family members. Familial Alzheimer's has a very early onset, sometimes as early as 40, and can clearly be identified as running a family.

Alzheimer's Stages

There are seven stages of Alzheimer's disease. Each Alzheimer's stage represents a further impairment in mental and physical function, as well as a worsening of Alzheimer's symptoms.

• Stage 1: No Impairment
• Stage 2: Very Mild Mental Decline – Changes may represent normal age related decline, and can be hard to identify by a medical professional.
• Stage 3: Mild Mental Decline – Noticeable forgetting of names and words. At this Alzheimer's stage, diagnosis is possible. Friends and family may notice a decline in mental function.
• Stage 4: Moderate Mental Decline – Forgetting of recent events, difficulty with complex tasks. Complex tasks like planning dinner or paying bills become a challenge.
• Stage 5: Moderately Severe Mental Decline – Gaps in memory and need help with day-to-day activity. At this Alzheimer's stage the patient may begin to forget their own address or phone number. They may also become confused about the day of the week and other special time relationships.
• Stage 6: Severe Mental Decline – Personality changes may take place, difficulty remember personal history. This Alzheimer's stage is marked by an almost total loss of memory and inability to perform basic daily tasks.
• Stage 7: Very Severe Mental Decline – Individual loses the ability to respond to surrounding environment. Patients in this stage of Alzheimer's will likely need around the clock care in order to maintain daily functions. Eating and using the toilet have likely become a major challenge.