Early Stages of Alzheimer's Disease





by Karin Udler, ACSW, LCSW

One of the first times I became aware of early stage Alzheimer's disease (AD) was when I met a woman in the course of my work as a hospital social worker. She was the caregiver of a patient in the hospital. She was completely aware of, and open about, her diagnosis. She asked for help with things which had become difficult for her, such as filling out forms and finding her friend�s room. She took cabs to the hospital and other places because she no longer felt safe driving, but she went where she needed to go. Her friend, while physically quite ill, did not have any cognitive impairment. They had known each other for decades and had formed a real partnership. Since meeting her, I have met other persons in the early stages of AD and am often impressed by their ability to cope and manage with such a difficult disease.

Alzheimer�s disease is being diagnosed earlier in the progression of the illness than in the past. Early diagnosis gives a person and their family time to adjust to the diagnosis and plan for the future. With the development of new drugs such as Cognex and Aricept, there now is some treatment which can be offered to persons in the earlier stages of this disease. The term early-stage is often confused and used interchangeably with early-onset and newly-diagnosed AD. Thus the terms are defined here:

Early-Stage Alzheimer�s Disease is the term used for the stage of the disease. Persons with early-stage Alzheimer�s disease and related dementias have only mild impairment due to the symptoms of the disease. They may still be working, driving and need only minimal assistance with certain activities of daily living. Individuals in this stage are often self-aware of their diagnosis and abilities.

Early-Onset Alzheimer�s Disease (Younger Onset) is usually defined as individuals who are diagnosed under the age of 65. There is a small percentage of persons with AD who are diagnosed in their 40�s and 50�s. Persons with early onset AD may still be working and have children living at home at the time they are diagnosed. However, they may have early onset AD but have progressed beyond the early stages of the disease.

Newly-Diagnosed Alzheimer�s Disease refers to how recently the diagnosis of AD or related dementia has been made. Individuals can receive a diagnosis of AD at any time during the course of the disease and may have mild, moderate or severe impairment before a medical evaluation and diagnosis is attained.

There are many more things persons in the early stages of AD can do than cannot do. One of the things which can be helpful to the diagnosed person and their family is attending a support group. There is a support group for persons in the early stages of the disease which meets in Alexandria. It is facilitated by Lin Noyes, Director of the Family Respite Center in Falls Church. The Family Respite Center also offers activity programs for persons in the early stages of the disease.

The Chapter also offers guidance for people with early stage AD or a related dementia. For information, either read Tips for Early Stage AD on this web site or call Karin Udler at the Chapter office at (866) 259-0042.

© 1997 - 2001 Alzheimer's Association, National Capital Area. All rights reserved.


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