Metro Creative Patients and their families confronting an Alzheimer’s diagnosis are encouraged to learn as much about the disease as possible and the best and healthiest way to approach caregiving as the disease progresses.

Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia affect millions of people across the globe. The organization Alzheimer’s Disease International reports that more than 55 million people worldwide were living with dementia in 2020.

ADI also estimates that dementia cases are expected to reach 78 million by 2030 and 139 million by 2050.

Alzheimer’s disease affects those diagnosed with the disease and also their families.

Family members often assume a caregiving role when a loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

Such a diagnosis is life-changing for both patients and their families, and it can be helpful for all affected to learn what to expect after an Alzheimer’s diagnosis.

• Alzheimer’s disease has stages, so a diagnosis does not mean immediate loss of independence. The Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation notes a guideline exists to determine the stages of Alzheimer’s at any given point.

That guideline is known as the Global Deterioration Scale (GDS), which identifies seven distinct stages, the first three of which are pre-dementia. The Fisher Center notes that a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s can be made with considerable accuracy in stage 4, which is characterized by moderate cognitive decline.

When a person is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, he or she or their family can ask the diagnosing physician about the stage of the disease.

Such information can give families an idea of what to expect. If the diagnosing physician indicates the disease is stage 4 or earlier, then patients can maintain some level of independence.

• Stage 5 is marked by an inability to live independently.

The Fisher Center notes that the changes that occur in stage 5 prevent patients from managing life on their own.

Patients may wear the same clothing day after day unless they are reminded to change, and they may not be able to pick appropriate clothing for weather or other circumstances.

Potential caregivers should know that by stage 5 a patient will need assistance with their finances, including paying bills and rent. Patients in stage 5 also may not recall details of their own lives, including their address. But the Fisher Center notes that such knowledge is loosely held in stage 5, meaning a person may recall their address at certain times, but not others.

• Caregiving is often a team effort. Individuals with stage 5 or late-stage Alzheimer’s will require caregiving. The Alzheimer’s Association notes that caring for a person with Alzheimer’s often involves a team of people as opposed to a single person. A greater level of care will be required as the disease progresses, and providing that care can be taxing and present its own unique set of challenges that can affect caregivers’ physical and mental well-being. Families that approach caregiving as a team may manage the side effects of providing that care more effectively.