Senior Care in Clark NJ
If your loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, becoming aware of the stages to expect as this disease progresses will help ease your fears and take action to ensure that both you and they 
Stage One
Alzheimer’s develops slowly and can progress for a decade or more. Initially, changes are minimal. In stage one, or preclinical Alzheimer’s disease, no symptoms are apparent. The only way a diagnosis will be made in this stage is if imaging technology identifies an amyloid beta protein deposit in the brain.
Stage Two
Mild cognitive impairment becomes noticeable as the disease progresses. Facts from recent conversations start to become forgotten. Even with reminders, those affected will not be able to recall the general topic of the conversation. Mild cognitive impairment does not necessarily warrant an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. For this reason, appropriate calls and appointments to your parent’s primary health care provider are in order.
Stage Three
Stage three is defined by mild dementia. This is the most noticeable early stage and is commonly the point at which the disease is diagnosed. Symptoms, at this point, are noted as becoming more prominent and beyond age-related memory lapse. At this point, your loved one may start to repeat the same question multiple times, as they do not recall the answer from earlier conversations. Changes in personality and moods can become apparent. Uncharacteristic irritability or anger may be noted as well as apathy. They may withdraw from conversations due to difficulty with finding the right word. People in this stage commonly lose items and place them in odd locations such as keys in the refrigerator. They may accuse those close to them of stealing the item, even after it is located. They may get lost in familiar places.
Stage Four
Moderate dementia due to Alzheimer’s portrays as increasing confusion and loss of time, including time of day and time of year. In this stage, they may start to confuse people as well, forgetting those close to them or considering strangers family members. They may require more advanced care as they have a tendency to wander at this point and require help with the daily activities of living. Many family members obtain the services of a senior care provider at this point. If possible, it is best to bring in this type of care earlier in the disease process in order to allow familiarity and a close relationship to develop prior to this point.
Stage Five
In this final stage, the person loses the ability to communicate and their need for assistance with daily activities progresses. They may require assistance with dressing, bathing, and eating, among other activities of living. In addition, they may need help with walking, and control of their bladder and bowel may be diminished.
Uncertainty
Stages vary dramatically from person to person. Medication and managed treatment protocol both help to slow down Alheimer’s progression. Being aware of what you may face will help you and your loved one plan ahead and appreciate each day.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring senior care in Clark, NJ, call the caring staff at Helping Hands Home Care today at 908-418-4299. Providing Home Care Services in all of Northern and Central NJ, including Clark, Westfield, Cranford, Scotch Plains, Rahway, Linden, Summit, Edison, Elizabeth, Mountainside and the surrounding areas.
Resources: Mayo Clinic’ Alzheimer’s Stages: How the Disease Progresses
After graduating from Seton Hall University with a BS in finance Helping Hands Homecare’s Owner / President, Robert D’Arienzo, went to work on Wall St. for six years. However, after Robert’s grandmother became ill with stomach cancer Robert and his family needed to find assistance in the home for her. After many trials and tribulations Robert could see that there was a great need for quality home care services here in NJ and loved the idea of being able to assist other families who were going through what his family went through with his beloved grandmother.
Thus, Robert had found his passion. After almost a year of preparation Robert opened Helping Hands Homecare in 2003. Robert wanted Helping Hands Homecare to focus on providing the highest quality of caregivers, exceptional customer service, and providing a service that familys could depend on in their time of need. Since then Helping Hands has assisted hundreds of individuals with the simplest of needs to more complex cases while preserving those standards set out many years ago.
Robert is a Google Verified Author
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