The 3 stages of Alzheimer’s disease: Me, Us and You!

The 3 stages of Alzheimer’s disease: Me, Us and You!

by

L.T. Force, Ph.D.

Gerontologist

Alzheimer’s disease is complex - not only for the individual - but for the whole entire family and friend system. In many respects, it is the most prevalent but also most misdiagnosed of the dementias. (In fact, there are over 144 different types of dementias - Senile Dementia Alzheimers Type (SDAT) is only one specific type of dementia).  As I tell my students, Alzheimer’s disease should be the last diagnosis arrived at - not the first. Just because an older person is experiencing: “forgetfulness, memory loss and confusion” - doesn’t mean they have Alzheimer’s disease. It is only after other factors, including alcohol/drug use, head-trauma or residual impacts of Lyme disease or vaccinations, etc., have been ruled out, in conjunction, with a complete diagnostic assessment - that one can arrive at a proper and accurate diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. (https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/diagnosis/medical_tests#:~:text=)

Across time, in the Alzheimer’s literature - we have been presented with multiple descriptions of the: “stages of Alzheimer’s disease”. A number of these theories have multiple stages that the person travels through - as they are experiencing this disorder. Personally, I see this disease pattern presenting as three stages:

“Me, Us and You”.

In the first stage “Me” - it is my body, my thought patterns and my actions that I can recognize where: “something is not right”. Similar to what happens when you are experiencing trouble with your car. You are the first one to know: “something is not right….it’s not driving as usual”. You then take it to a mechanic and receive a “proper diagnosis” - similar to your body - you are the 1st to know: “something is not right”.

In the second stage: “Us” (family, friends and  co-workers….etc.) begin to know:

“something is not right”. Maybe, it is unpredictable behavior behind the wheel, changes in activities of daily living or actions in the workplace - where there is evidence of confusion or unpredictability. As these behaviors and emotional disarray continues - it is evident that “something is not right”. It is at this point, there may be direct suggestions to obtain outside medical and assessment support.

In the third stage “You” - it is only the “Other” (family and friends) that are aware that the disease model is existent and has progressed - as the person is being swept away in the “clutches of the disease”.

“How long does this process or progression of the disease take? The answer is - it depends”. Years ago, it was a swift decline. Today, with our ability to diagnose the disease early and with the arrival of multiple medications - that can be used to slow down or stall the progression of Alzheimer’s disease - the runway could be 20-25 years + beyond diagnosis. The takeaway message is twofold: “1. There is life beyond the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and 2. The individual and family members do not have to do this alone - there are tremendous resources, services and programs available to provide ‘advocacy, knowledge, support and guidance’. There is absolutely no need (for the individual or family members) to travel the Alzheimers journey alone!

A tremendous resource is found at the Alzheimer’s Association: (www.alz.org).