Alzheimer's disease (AD) is uncurable, so what do you do if you catch the warning signs and receive a diagnosis from a qualified doctor?

In this article, Ability Central will detail the steps to take after receiving an Alzheimer's diagnosis, including:

• Understanding the stages of Alzheimer's disease.
• What to expect in early-stage Alzheimer's.
• What to expect in middle-stage Alzheimer's.
• What to expect in late-stage Alzheimer's.
• The four areas that need a plan: legal, financial, care team, and end-of-life.
• Understanding Alzheimer's medication and treatment options.

Understanding the stages of Alzheimer's

There are two common ways to discuss the stages of Alzheimer's: seven stages and three stages. The seven-stage approach is discussed in Alzheimer's Quick Facts. For the sake of simplicity, many specialists combine the seven stages into three:

• Early-stage Alzheimer's
• Middle-stage Alzheimer's
• Late-stage Alzheimer's

What to expect in Early-Stage Alzheimer's

Early-stage Alzheimer's disease refers to people with only mild changes in functionality. It is not the same as "young onset" Alzheimer's, which describes someone diagnosed with AD before their 65th birthday.

Early-stage Alzheimer's is sometimes called "mild Alzheimer's disease" because the changes at this stage are minor.

To see a complete list of what both the person with Alzheimer's and the caretaker can expect at this stage, the Alzheimer's Society of Canada has a great resource.

What to expect in Middle-Stage Alzheimer's

The middle stage brings a more significant decline in the person's cognitive and functional abilities. The person with Alzheimer's slowly becomes less independent. This stage is often the longest. Many people do not receive a diagnosis until this middle stage.

For a complete list of what to expect both as a person with Alzheimer's and from a caregiver's perspective, see this pamphlet.

What to expect in Late-Stage Alzheimer's disease

The late stage of Alzheimer's disease may also be called the "severe" or "advanced" stage. A person with late-stage Alzheimer's is unlikely to care for themselves or communicate.

For a complete list of what to expect both as a person with late-stage Alzheimer's and as a caregiver, see this PDF.

The four areas that require a plan after a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease

After receiving an Alzheimer's diagnosis, planning for the future is essential. The four areas that need a plan are:

1. Legal: A legal plan requires a "legal capacity" to understand and appreciate the consequences of one's actions and to make rational decisions. Given this requirement, the earlier a plan is made, the better for all involved. See a complete list of legal points to consider through the Alzheimer's Association.
2. Financial: A person with Alzheimer's will likely need full-time care by the late stage. Use this resource to understand the options and make a plan.
3. Care Team: A care team is a group of people who will partner with the patient. This article can help you get started.
4. End-of-Life: Discussing end-of-life wishes while the patient with Alzheimer's can express themselves is essential for the peace of the person and their loved ones. The Alzheimer's Association has a great resource to walk you through this process.

Understanding Alzheimer's medication and treatment options

Though Alzheimer's disease does not have a cure, its symptoms are sometimes treated by medication.

There are two types of medications approved to treat Alzheimer's: those that can temporarily ease some symptoms and those that can slow the progression of the disease. The Mayo Clinic has a breakdown of the common medication options.

In addition, caregivers should understand the behavioral changes that often accompany Alzheimer's disease. The National Institute on Aging (NIA) has a complete list of these potential changes and how to handle each.

In the next article, Ability Central will share the options for long-term support for the person with Alzheimer's disease and their family.

Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease

Dementia is a general term used to describe a loss of memory and other cognitive abilities that interfere with daily life and a person’s ability to communicate. Alzheimer's disease is a specific type of dementia that gradually worsens over time. It is a physical illness that damages the brain, leading to symptoms of dementia. While Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, there are many other types as well. However, it is important to note that not all dementia is caused by Alzheimer's disease.

Learn more about dementia.