Mid-Stage Alzheimer's Disease Symptoms

Intermediate Alzheimer's disease symptoms may last between two to ten years before symptoms reach the final, most severe stage. Short term memory recall continues to deteriorate: retention of new facts, names, or news becomes increasingly difficult. Long term memory recall also starts to deteriorate.

 

Long term memory difficulties include forgetting personal events, phone numbers that have been the same for years, and other long term facts.

 

The deterioration of long term memory recall results in disorientation as memory retention of places and addresses diminishes. The mid-stage Alzheimer's disease patient may become lost in once-familiar surroundings. Long term memory is not completely lost, but it is apparent that long term retention is increasingly impaired.

Cognitive functioning and the ability to think abstractly continue to decline during this period. Math, reading, and other skills are increasingly impaired. Language difficulties and word retention loss become more apparent thus restricting the person's ability to socialize. During this period mood swings may worsen. Mood swings may include periods of suspicion, anger, delusions, or paranoia. Some people will hallucinate or engage in compulsive behavior, such as wringing their hands.

Assistance is required for daily activities. Although most people can still eat and perform many other activities in spite of advancing Alzheimer's symptoms, they may need assistance in dressing or bathing. Supervision to prevent individuals from "wandering off" or getting lost is also necessary.

As Alzheimer's disease progresses, muscle control begins to deteriorate. This may present as muscle twitches, but can also involve bowel or bladder incontinence. Caregivers can find advice and suggestions for dealing with bladder incontinence at Living with Urinary Incontinence.