There are generally considered to be four distinct phases of Alzheimer's Disease. It should be pointed out however, that many of the symptoms overlap from phase to phase with the only difference being the severity of the symptom. Phases can also be thought of as plateaus. An Alzheimer's patient can stay on a plateau for an indeterminate period of time. This could be from several months to several years depending upon the progression of the disease in the individual.
PHASE ONE
Short term memory loss
Forgets familiar names and/or phone numbers
Misplaces things and can't find them later
Easily upset over minor things
Subject to frequent crying spells
Clings to pictures and other familiar items
Easily disoriented
Gets lost going to or coming from familiar places
Shows less sparkle and zest for life
Demonstrates less spontaneity or ambition
Changes mind frequently
Difficulty in finding right word to say
Judgment slightly impaired
Writes frequent reminder notes - Then loses them
Avoids social contacts
Becomes easily angered, passive, or restless
Dresses inappropriately for weather conditions
Wears the same clothes repeatedly
Mis-state facts - more from confusion than a deliberate lie
Starts to hide things - especially food
PHASE TWO
Loss of memory increases
Unable to recognize self in mirror
Unable to recognize friends and relatives
Unable to recall recent events
Forgets to pay bills and take medications
Regularly forgets to turn stove off or water faucets
Decision making becomes more difficult
Associates others with people from the past
Begins to walk with a shuffled gait
Becomes unable to follow a conversation
Responds to a question with an answer that is completely unrelated
Repeatedly uses wrong words
Has a distinct loss of coordination
Needs assistance in walking and sitting
Experiences muscle twitches or jerking
Will put practically anything in mouth including raw or spoiled food
Has fixed ideas that are not true or real
Suffers from paranoia and may become easily agitated
Begins to hear or see things that are not there
Neglects health and personal hygiene
Becomes combative when faced with taking a bath
PHASE THREE
Unable to feed self
Loss of control over bladder and bowels
Judgment completely impaired
Becomes aggressive and hostile
Has delusions
Hyperactivity increases
Unable to recognize dangers
Words are rarely distinguishable
Inability to walk more pronounced
Totally unable to do anything for self
PHASE FOUR
Becomes bedridden
Sleeps most of time
Total deteriation of all functions except eating, bladder and bowels
Eventually loses the ability to swallow
All functions cease