Stages of Alzheimer's

I recently saw an article on the 7 stages of Alzheimer's Disease. I thought I would share it so you would better understand what has happened, what is happening right now, and what will happen in the final 7th stage. 

Stage 1: No noticeable signs of deficiency or impairment.  An evaluation with a physician would likely result in no diagnosis of the disease. 
Stage 2: Mild loss of short term memory.  Small but noticeable lapses in memory.  Minor loss of language skills.  Choosing incorrect words, trouble recalling words or names of familiar places.
Stage 3: Difficulty choosing the correct word and remembering names.  Difficulty performing daily tasks, organizing.  Difficulty with directions when driving.
Stage 4:  Heightened forgetfulness.  Trouble recalling recent events.  Loss of ability to do mental math.    Forgetting personal history and past events.  Changes in mood--may exhibit anti-social behaviors, depression, anxiety, or mild irritability.
Stage 5:  Noticeable lapses in memory or functions.  Inability to recall important personal details such as phone number, place of work, alma mater, etc. Confusion in day to day life such as forgetting where they are and what day it is.  Trouble computing simple mathematics.
Stage 6:  Loss of awareness or surroundings and experiences.  Changes in sleep patterns.  Inability to dress themselves and choose clothing.  Trouble remembering names of relatives.  Forgetting personal history.  Major changes in personality and behavior.   Delusions and hallucinations.  Tendency to become lost.
Stage 7:  Loss of verbal skills.  Loss of motor skills and ability to control movement.  Inability to dress, bathe, or feed themselves.  Difficulty sitting or holding up head without support.  Rigid muscles.  Trouble swallowing. 

It is interesting that last week when I was thinking of Grandpa I saw him in stage 7.  It was a painful glimpse of what it will be for him.  It was also a reminder to me that what I do each day to help him means everything to his well-being. That brief glimpse reminded me that what I do each day, although it is sometimes overwhelming, has made all the difference for Grandpa.  I love that I can do that for him.