Alzheimer’s, the most common cause of dementia in seniors, is a progressive condition that affects the brain’s functioning. It typically impacts those 65 years old and above, but early-onset Alzheimer’s can also affect younger people.
Families can benefit from understanding the different stages of Alzheimer’s, as each one requires different approaches to care. Identifying these stages in seniors can be a challenging experience, but it is essential to ensure appropriate support in Alzheimer’s care.
Austin, TX community Tech Ridge Oaks encourages you to review the stages of Alzheimer’s and how to get a reasonable idea of which one your loved one is experiencing, as well as how Tech Ridge Oaks can help seniors and their families feel cared for at each stage. By staying positive and staying informed, we can work towards a better future for seniors and their families impacted by Alzheimer’s.
The Progression of Alzheimer’s
The early stages of Alzheimer’s typically involve mild symptoms, such as difficulty remembering recent events or misplaced items. At this point, seniors are often still able to function independently, but may begin to need some assistance to manage everyday tasks.
As Alzheimer’s progresses, seniors may begin experiencing more severe cognitive symptoms, such as confusion, difficulty communicating, and mood changes. At this point, families may need to consider assisted living or memory care facilities to ensure the security and well-being of their loved ones.
The Dementia FAST Scale
One of the most commonly used measures of dementia is the Functional Assessment Staging Test, or FAST. This test involves a series of questions designed to assess seniors’ ability to perform everyday tasks, ranging from cooking and cleaning to managing finances and engaging in social activities. By assessing seniors’ abilities in these areas, medical professionals are better able to recommend the most appropriate level of care.
Specifically, stages of the dementia FAST scale are:
- Stage 1 – Normal adult: no evidence of cognitive decline.
- Stage 2 – Normal older adult: mild difficulties in daily activities may be present.
- Stage 3 – Early dementia: decline in short-term memory and orientation become more apparent.
- Stage 4 – Mild dementia: significant deficits in cognitive abilities including memory and language are evident.
- Stage 5 – Moderate dementia: severe impairments in behaviors such as communication and daily living skills are very obvious.
- Stage 6 – Moderately severe dementia: further impairment of higher level executive function skills occurs, making daily life difficult without assistance.
- Stage 7 – Severe dementia: individuals need continual assistance for their basic needs, such as eating and bathing.
In addition to the dementia FAST scale, doctors may also use imaging tests such as MRI or CT scans to evaluate the progression of Alzheimer’s. These tests can be helpful for tracking changes in brain function and identifying potential complications such as strokes or tumors. Blood tests may also evaluate seniors’ overall health and rule out other potential causes of cognitive decline.
Find a Dedicated Long-term Alzheimer’s Care Community: Tech Ridge Oaks
At Tech Ridge Oaks’ community for Alzheimer’s care, Austin, TX professionals are dedicated to sustaining seniors and their families throughout every stage of an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Our team offers a range of services tailored to individual needs and preferences. We understand the challenges of navigating a dementia diagnosis and are committed to providing the highest quality of care.
Our goal is to provide a secure and positive environment that encourages seniors to stay active and social, while also giving them the chance to enjoy the things they love. That’s why we offer our residents an array of stimulating activities and leisurely pursuits that are tailored to their specific needs. We also make sure that activities are regularly modified so that our residents can continue to find joy in them, even as their cognitive abilities change.
By creating an atmosphere of fun and engagement, we give our residents a sense of purpose and belonging that helps to enrich their lives.
Alzheimer’s can be an overwhelming diagnosis for families, but by understanding the various stages of this condition, the techniques used to measure them, and strategies to best manage them, we can help seniors remain comfortable throughout every phase.
At Tech Ridge Oaks, our compassionate team is here to support seniors and their loved ones every step of the way. Whether you’re just beginning to recognize signs of dementia or seeking more specialized care in an Alzheimer’s care community, contact us today to learn more about how we can help.
