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In general, finding information free on search engines requires a lot of patience and is time consuming. Free websites most likely provide only limited information if you are searching for something important. The best choice is to buy it because bought information is usually written by specialists and is copyrighted. [August 13, 2008 10:25:46 am] By Chic Ngo
Alzheimer's Disease - 7 stages of Decline
By Linda J Bruton 
The seven key symptoms that are charted in the FAST evaluation characterize the progression of Alzheimer's disease. This test provides an indication of the level of care that is required for a person who has Alzheimer's disease. The symptoms range from unimpaired functions to a very severe cognitive decline.
The Functional Assessment Staging Test (FAST) scale was developed by Dr. Reisberg and his colleagues. These test revealed that a person with Alzheimer's is in fact regressing to an infantile state.
The term “retrogenesis” was coined during the study. The term describes the steady decline of a person who has Alzheimer’s from a person who has no cognitive decline to a person who is in essence an infant with no ability to care for themselves.
A brief overview of the basic symptoms of each stage is outlined below:
Stage 1 - The individual tested shows no difficulties, either subjectively or objectively.
Stage 2 - The individuals shows some very mild decline. They complain of memory deficits and sometimes forgetting the names of familiar people and places. This might be regarded as a feature of natural aging rather than a progressive disease disorder.
Stage 3 - The patient exhibits a marked decline in memory. The Individual shows an inability to function in a demanding job situation. Anxiety from the inability to remember some pertinent information is noticed in an intensive interview.
Stage 4 - This stage is considered mild or early stage Alzheimer's disease. Clear-cut deficiencies in memory as it relates to current events or recent personal events. Changes in mood and personality may be noted. The individual is unable to perform complex tasks that involve planning and implementing a simple dinner menu. The decline in ability is noted as substantial when the person cannot perform mental arithmetic.
Stage 5 - Represents a moderate to severe decline in cognitive functions. There are some major problems with dates and time. Individual requires assistance performing daily activities. Individuals at this stage are unable to recall important but familiar details. An example is these individuals cannot recall their own address or telephone number. Confusion is present.
The individual is able to eat and use the toilet on their own.
Stage 6 - There is a severe cognitive decline at this stage. Difficulties with memory become worse. Personality changes occur. Intensive care is required at this stage for help with basic daily activities. The person is unable to bathe properly. In some cases the individual may develop fear of bathing.
Stage 7 - Represents the most severe or late stage Alzheimer's disease. At this stage individuals lose the ability to interact with their environment. Individuals are unable to speak or control motor movement. These individuals need help with eating, toileting and daily hygiene.
Additional indicators include: Inability to walk without assistance. There is a steady decline in the ability to sit without support. Individuals at this stage are unable to smile or hold up their head. Motor reflexes are abnormal.
The FAST test presents a clinical diagnosis. The confirmation of Alzheimer's disease can only be done by an examination of brain tissue. This is done at autopsy. The FAST test is used as a guide to provide an overview of the stages of cognitive decline.
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For more information on alzheimers statistics, treatment, caregiving, and support resources, please visit http://www.alzheimersdiseasetips.com for helpful tips. Be sure to read the article on alzheimers disease early symptom detection.
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