Early stage
During this period, usually the first two to four years, symptoms are slow and gradual and can be mistaken for the normal ageing process. Early signs of memory loss characterise this period and may include forgetting names or events. Affected people may also have difficulty following directions and be disoriented. Changes in their normal behaviour and personality can be noted and they are no longer able to perform routine tasks.

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Later stage
In this stage, people may suddenly lose their inhibitions, no longer be able to solve simple problems and have trouble with figures. Adapting to simple changes becomes a problem and the afflicted may become confused and disoriented, not knowing what month or year it is and not being able to describe accurately where they live or recall correctly the name of a place recently visited.

Emotionally, Alzheimer sufferers become increasingly suspicious and paranoid. They can no longer control their anger, frustration or inappropriate behaviour and become increasingly quarrelsome, irritable and agitated. They can also no longer dress appropriately and neglect their personal appearance.

Final stage
Severe impairment of intellectual abilities are typical of the final stage of the disease. Physical functioning deteriorates and sufferers become incontinent (unable to control bowel and bladder function). They can no longer engage in conversation, are erratic and inattentive and appear unco-operative. In the final stage they become incapable of looking after themselves and become bedridden or wheelchair-bound. They are often not able to feed themselves and have to be fed. Death is usually the result of pneumonia or another illness that occurs when health has deteriorated severely.

For more information visit: Dementia SA: http://www.dementiasa.org/ or Alzheimer’s South Africa: http://www.alzheimers.org.za/
 

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