Wouldn’t it be helpful if there was an Alzheimer’s care manual, with step-by-step information on what to anticipate at each stage of the disease? While there are several general commonalities in the progression of dementia, each person’s experience is different. This makes it hard to know what to expect on any given day.
Even with the unpredictability of Alzheimer’s disease, there are particular situations that are beyond the normal range of expectations to watch for. Perhaps one of the most concerning is a sudden worsening of dementia symptoms. This can occur for a variety of reasons:
- Disruption to normal routine from a move, change in caregivers, hospitalization, etc.
- Stroke or a brain injury, such as from a fall
- Delirium, brought about by an infection, hospital stay or surgery, medication side effects, insufficient sleep, dehydration, or possibly even constipation
- An underlying illness such as cancer or prion disease
- Sundowning
What Are the Typical Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is progressive, and as of now, incurable. For these reasons, a decline in condition is to be expected. An abrupt shift in the person’s condition, however, is atypical. In general, the condition progresses through the following stages:
- Early: The initial detectable signs of Alzheimer’s are usually very mild, including short-term memory lapses, forgetting a word, or getting lost.
- Middle: In the middle stage of the disease, cognitive difficulties progress to the point that the person struggles with independently performing activities of daily living.
- Late: The final stage of Alzheimer’s, that may take years to reach, involves a lack of response and recognition of both people and environment, as the body starts to shut down.
If You Observe Sudden Worsening of Dementia…
Seek medical help immediately if a sudden decline is noted so that the cause can be pinpointed and addressed.
A dementia care journal is often a very helpful tool, before, during, and after worsening symptoms. Daily journaling will allow you to keep track of:
- Any challenging behaviors noted, with details on time of day and potential triggers or contributing circumstances
- What works and what doesn’t work in helping the person manage challenges
- Sleeping and eating habits
- Medications taken and any side effects detected
- The person’s overall demeanor on any particular day
These types of details will be crucial in helping to patch together what may have caused a rapid change in condition and how to treat it.
Independence-4-Seniors Home Care’s caregivers are highly trained and skilled in providing care for those with dementia and detecting any changes in condition. Email or call us at (630) 323-4665, and let us walk beside you in your dementia care journey. We proudly provide care for families in La Grange Park, Westchester, Countryside, and nearby communities.