what is the typical time course of alzheimer disease

by Prof. Clair Nader 9 min read

The rate of progression for Alzheimer's disease varies widely. On average, people with Alzheimer's disease live between three and 11 years after diagnosis, but some survive 20 years or more. The degree of impairment at diagnosis can affect life expectancy.

Full Answer

What is the duration of mild Alzheimer’s disease?

In the absence of complicating medical pathology, the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) can be made with considerable certainty from the beginning of this stage. Studies indicate that the duration of this stage of mild AD has a mean of approximately two years in otherwise healthy persons.

What are the stages of Alzheimer's disease?

There are five stages associated with Alzheimer's disease: preclinical Alzheimer's disease, mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease, mild dementia due to Alzheimer's disease, moderate dementia due to Alzheimer's disease and severe dementia due to Alzheimer's disease.

What is the progression rate for Alzheimer's disease?

The progression rate for Alzheimer's disease can vary widely. According to the Mayo Clinic, people who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease average between three and 11 years after diagnosis. However, some with the disease live two decades or more.

Is Alzheimer's disease a continuous process?

The disease is a continuous process. Each person has a different experience with Alzheimer's and its symptoms. Alzheimer's disease begins long before any symptoms become apparent. This stage is called preclinical Alzheimer's disease, and it's usually identified only in research settings.

How long does Alzheimer's disease take to progress?

A small number of people have “early-onset” Alzheimer disease, which starts when they are in their 30s or 40s. People live for an average of 8 years after their symptoms appear. But the disease can progress quickly in some people and slowly in others. Some people live as long as 20 years with the disease.

What is the average onset of Alzheimer's?

For most people with Alzheimer's—those who have the late-onset variety—symptoms first appear in their mid-60s. Signs of early-onset Alzheimer's begin between a person's 30s and mid-60s. The first symptoms of Alzheimer's vary from person to person.

What makes Alzheimer's progress quickly?

Such conditions and factors could include: Infections, such as pneumonia, a urinary tract infection or a sinus infection. Reaction to some prescription medications, such as anticholinergics, narcotic pain relievers, sedatives, corticosteroids and some antidepressants. Fatigue or lack of sleep.

What are the 7 stages of Alzheimer's?

7 Stages of Alzheimer's DiseaseStage 1: Normal Outward Behavior.Stage 2: Very Mild Changes.Stage 3: Mild Decline.Stage 4: Moderate Decline.Stage 5: Moderately Severe Decline.Stage 6: Severe Decline.Stage 7: Very Severe Decline.

Can Alzheimer's suddenly get worse?

Alzheimer's disease is a type of dementia that damages the brain. It causes a steady loss of memory and of how well you can speak, think, and do your daily activities. The disease gets worse over time, but how quickly this happens varies. Some people lose the ability to do daily activities in the first few years.

What are typically the first signs of Alzheimer's disease?

Early symptomsforget about recent conversations or events.misplace items.forget the names of places and objects.have trouble thinking of the right word.ask questions repetitively.show poor judgement or find it harder to make decisions.become less flexible and more hesitant to try new things.

How quickly does someone with Alzheimer's deteriorate?

The moderate or middle stages lasts anywhere from two to 10 years. And the severe or late stages typically last one to three years. Doing the math, you see that there is a wide range of years in which the disease can progress – between five to 17 years for the typical progression of Alzheimer's disease.

What are signs that dementia is getting worse?

increasing confusion or poor judgment. greater memory loss, including a loss of events in the more distant past. needing assistance with tasks, such as getting dressed, bathing, and grooming. significant personality and behavior changes, often caused by agitation and unfounded suspicion.

How long can an 80 year old live with dementia?

Life expectancy is less if the person is diagnosed in their 80s or 90s. A few people with Alzheimer's live for longer, sometimes for 15 or even 20 years. Vascular dementia – around five years.

At what stage of Alzheimer's does wandering occur?

During the middle stages, people may experience depression, anxiety, irritability and repetitive behaviors. As the disease progresses, other changes may occur, including sleep changes, physical and verbal outbursts, and wandering.

Do Alzheimer patients know they have it?

It's common in some cognitive conditions, including Alzheimer's. So, if someone diagnosed with Alzheimer's also has anosognosia, they won't know or believe that they have it. Each person is unique, so the symptoms of anosognosia might vary. Symptoms may also change over time and might even change during a day.

At what stage of Alzheimer's does incontinence occur?

Although incontinence typically occurs in the middle or late stages of Alzheimer's, every situation is unique.

Preclinical Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease begins long before any symptoms become apparent. This stage is called preclinical Alzheimer's disease. You won't notice symptom...

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) Due to Alzheimer's Disease

People with mild cognitive impairment have mild changes in their memory and thinking ability. These changes aren't significant enough to affect wor...

Mild Dementia Due to Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease is often diagnosed in the mild dementia stage, when it becomes clear to family and doctors that a person is having significant...

Moderate Dementia Due to Alzheimer's Disease

During the moderate stage of Alzheimer's disease, people grow more confused and forgetful and begin to need more help with daily activities and sel...

Severe Dementia Due to Alzheimer's Disease

In the severe (late) stage of Alzheimer's disease, mental function continues to decline, and the disease has a growing impact on movement and physi...

Rate of Progression Through Alzheimer's Disease Stages

The rate of progression for Alzheimer's disease varies widely. On average, people with Alzheimer's disease live eight to 10 years after diagnosis,...

How can dementia affect your life?

​. During the early stage, it’s possible for people with dementia to live well by taking control of their health and wellness, and focusing their energy on aspects of their life that are most meaningful to them.

How long does a person with MCI live?

On average, a person with Alzheimer's lives four to eight years after diagnosis, but can live as long as 20 years, depending on other factors .

Can Alzheimer's cause you to drive?

In the early stage of Alzheimer's, a person may function independently. He or she may still drive, work and be part of social activities. Despite this, the person may feel as if he or she is having memory lapses, such as forgetting familiar words or the location of everyday objects.

What are the stages of Alzheimer's disease?

This guideline is used by professionals and caregivers around the world to identify at what stage of the disease a person is in. Stages 1-3 are the pre-dementia stages; stages 4-7 are the dementia stages. Stage 5 is the point where a person can no longer live without assistance.

How long does it take to wear the same clothes with Alzheimer's?

Some persons with Alzheimer’s disease begin to wear the same clothing day after day unless reminded to change. The mean duration of this stage is 1.5 years.

How long does MCI last?

The average total duration of the MCI stage in otherwise healthy persons is seven years. In persons who are not called upon to perform complex, occupational and or social tasks, symptoms in this MCI stage may not become evident to family members or friends until midway or near the end of this stage..

What is the most common functioning deficit in Alzheimer's patients?

The most common functioning deficit in these persons is a decreased ability to manage instrumental (complex) activities of daily life, which may hinder their ability to live independently. For the stage 4 person, this may become evident in the form of difficulties in paying rent and other bills, not being able to write out checks with the correct date or amount without assistance; the inability to market for personal items and groceries or order from a menu in a restaurant. Persons who previously prepared meals for family members and/or guests begin to manifest decreased performance in these skills.

How long does subjective cognitive decline last?

Research has shown that this stage of subjective cognitive decline lasts 15 years in otherwise healthy persons.

What is stage 1 mental health?

STAGE 1: NO DEMENTIA SEEN. At any age, persons may be free of objective or subjective symptoms of cognitive and functional decline, as well as of associated behavioral and mood changes. We call these mentally healthy persons at any age, stage 1, or normal.

What is the psychological defense mechanism for Alzheimer's?

Hence, the psychological defense mechanism known as denial, whereby the person with Alzheimer’s disease seeks to hide their deficit, even from themselves, becomes operative. Also, the person withdraws from participation in ...

How long do people live with Alzheimer's?

But the disease can progress quickly in some people and slowly in others. Some people live as long as 20 years with the disease. No one knows what causes Alzheimer disease. Genes, environment, lifestyle, and overall health may all play a role.

What is the preclinical stage of Alzheimer's?

Preclinical stage. Changes in the brain begin years before a person shows any signs of the disease. This time period is called preclinical Alzheimer disease and it can last for years. Mild, early stage. Symptoms at this stage include mild forgetfulness. This may seem like the mild forgetfulness that often comes with aging.

How old is too old to get Alzheimer's?

Alzheimer disease is becoming more common as the general population gets older and lives longer. Alzheimer disease usually affects people older than 65. A small number of people have “early-onset” Alzheimer disease, which starts when they are in their 30s or 40s.

What is the longest stage of memory loss?

Managing money. The person may be aware of memory lapses and their friends, family or neighbors may also notice these difficulties. Moderate, middle stage. This is typically the longest stage, usually lasting many years.

Does forgetfulness come with aging?

This may seem like the mild forgetfulness that often comes with aging. But it may also include problems with concentration. A person may still live independently at this stage, but may have problems: The person may be aware of memory lapses and their friends, family or neighbors may also notice these difficulties.

Can Alzheimer's disease be cured?

In the final stage, people with Alzheimer disease may be unable to talk with family members or know what is going on around them. This disease can’t be cured.

Do people with Alzheimer's need to follow a treatment plan?

People with Alzheimer disease need to follow a full treatment plan to protect their health. Even though a loved one may have this disease, it is still important that they take care of their physical health.

How long does Alzheimer's last?

Mild impairment or decline. The symptoms of Alzheimer’s are less clear during stage 3. While the entire stage lasts about seven years, the symptoms will slowly become clearer over a period of two to four years. Only people close to someone in this stage may notice the signs.

How long does it take to live with Alzheimer's?

Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease, with people living an average of four to eight years after diagnosis. It’ll be easier to cope if you know what to expect from each stage of the disease, and if you get help from family and friends. Last medically reviewed on November 21, 2016.

How does Alzheimer's affect you?

The discovery that you or a loved one has Alzheimer’s disease can be an emotional experience. Whether you’re a family member or someone with the condition, this progressive disease will slowly impact your daily life. The first step to managing it is to learn more about Alzheimer’s, from how it progresses to treatment options.#N#Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, a general term for a decline in mental abilities. With Alzheimer’s disease, someone will experience a decline their abilities to:

What is the most common cause of death in someone with stage 7 Alzheimer's?

Some people will become immobile during this stage. The most frequent cause of death in someone with stage 7 Alzheimer’s is pneumonia.

What is the best way to care for someone with Alzheimer's?

Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease is a great task. You’ll experience a range of emotions as a caregiver. You need help and support, as well as time off from your duties. Support groups can help you learn and exchange best practices and strategies for coping with difficult situations.

How old do you have to be to have Alzheimer's?

Very mild impairment or normal forgetfulness. Alzheimer’s disease affects mainly older adults, over the age of 65 years. At this age, it’s common to have slight functional difficulties like forgetfulness.

What is the first step to managing Alzheimer's?

The first step to managing it is to learn more about Alzheimer’s, from how it progresses to treatment options. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia, a general term for a decline in mental abilities. With Alzheimer’s disease, someone will experience a decline their abilities to: remember. think.

What is Alzheimer's disease?

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a degenerative brain disorder. The disease breaks down and destroys brain cells and the neurons that connect brain cells to one another. This damage causes a decline in memory, behavior, and mental capabilities. Every person’s journey with AD is different. For some, the disease progresses slowly ...

What is the average life expectancy for a person diagnosed at age 65?

Researchers at Johns Hopkins School of Public Health have discovered that the average survival time for people diagnosed at age 65 is 8.3 years. The average life expectancy for people diagnosed at age 90 is 3.4 years.

How long does an AD person live?

Life expectancy varies for each person with AD. The average life expectancy after diagnosis is eight to 10 years. In some cases, however, it can be as short as three years or as long as 20 years. AD can go undiagnosed for several years, too.

How long does AD last?

For some, the disease progresses slowly and leaves mental function largely intact for several years. Other times, AD is aggressive and quickly robs people of their memory. In the end, AD becomes severe enough to disrupt day-to-day life. In later stages, people will need almost constant care.

How long do women live after a diagnosis?

Women were found to live an average of 5.7 years after their diagnosis. Severity of symptoms: People with significant motor impairment, such as a history of falls and a tendency to wander or walk away, had shorter life expectancies.

Is Alzheimer's disease curable?

Alzheimer’s disease is not curable, but there are measures you can take to ease its toll.

Can medications slow the progression of AD?

However, a few medications may be able to slow the progression of AD at least for a short time. Treatment can also improve your quality of life and help treat symptoms. Talk with your doctor about your treatment options.

How long does it take for Alzheimer's to progress?

According to the Mayo Clinic, people who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease average between three and 11 years after diagnosis. However, some with the disease live two decades or more.

How long do people with Alzheimer's live?

When someone who is over the age of 90 is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, they live 3.8 years. In contrast, someone under the age of 70 lived 10.7 years. If a patient was frail when they were diagnosed, they didn't live as long — even after the adjustment for age has been made.

How long do people live after being diagnosed with Alzheimer's?

According to a study, the key factors that determine how long someone lives after being diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia are gender, age, and level of disability: While men lived approximately 4.1 years following diagnosis, women lived approximately 4.6 years.

What is the Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center?

At the Long Island Alzheimer's and Dementia Center, our mission is to improve the quality of life for those living with Alzheimer’s disease and related forms of dementia, and their caregivers. We actively work to achieve this mission through research-based programming for all stages of Alzheimer’s, Caregiver Support Groups, in-home respite solutions, transportation options, and additional services.

What causes Alzheimer's disease?

According Mayo Clinic, one of the most common causes of death amongst Alzheimer’s patients is pneumonia as well as: 1 Dehydration 2 Falls 3 Malnutrition 4 And other types of infections

How long does it take for a person to get a diagnosis?

According to research produced by John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, the average amount of time between when diagnosis is made and when symptoms start is approximately 2.8 years.

Is there a cure for Alzheimer's?

While there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease , there are activities and therapies designed to improve your loved one’s quality of life. For example, the extent to which your loved one with Alzheimer's disease can maintain their social relationships may play a large role.

image

Definition

Symptoms

  • Middle-stage Alzheimer's is typically the longest stage and can last for many years. As the disease progresses, the person with Alzheimer's will require a greater level of care. During the middle stage of Alzheimer’s, the dementia symptoms are more pronounced. the person may confuse words, get frustrated or angry, and act in unexpected ways, such a...
See more on alz.org

Prognosis

Effects

Diagnosis

  • Half or more of the population of persons over the age of 65 experience subjective complaints of cognitive and or functional difficulties. The nature of these subjective complaints is characteristic. Elderly persons with these symptoms believe they can no longer recall names as well as they could 5 or 10 years previously. They also frequently develop the conviction that they can no long…
See more on alzinfo.org

Preservation

  • Various terms have been suggested for this condition, but normal aged forgetfulness is probably the most satisfactory terminology. These symptoms which, by definition, are not notable to intimates or other external observers of the person with normal aged forgetfulness, are generally benign. However, there is some recent evidence that persons with these symptoms do decline a…
See more on alzinfo.org

Issues

  • The dominant mood at this stage is frequently what psychiatrists term a flattening of affect and withdrawal. In other words, the patient often seems less emotionally responsive than previously. This absence of emotional responsivity is probably intimately related to the patients denial of their deficit, which is often also notable at this stage. Although the patient is aware of their shortcomi…
See more on alzinfo.org

Example

  • In the absence of complicating medical pathology, the diagnosis of AD can be made with considerable certainty from the beginning of this stage; Studies indicate that the duration of this stage of mild AD is a mean of approximately two years.
See more on alzinfo.org

Treatment

  • Cognitively, persons at this stage frequently cannot recall such major events and aspects of their current lives as the name of the current president, the weather conditions of the day, or their correct current address. Characteristically, some of these important aspects of current life are recalled, but not others. Also, the information is loosely held, so, for example, the patient may re…
See more on alzinfo.org

Management

  • Remote memory also suffers to the extent that persons may not recall the names of some of the schools which they attended for many years, and from which they graduated. Orientation may be compromised to the extent that the correct year may not be recalled. Calculation deficits are of such magnitude that an educated person has difficulty counting backward from 20 by 2s.
See more on alzinfo.org

Results

  • For example, patients may put their street clothes on over their night clothes. At approximately the same point in the evolution of AD, but generally, just a little later in the temporal sequence, patients lose the ability to bathe independently without assistance (stage 6b). Characteristically, the earliest and most common deficit in bathing is difficulty adjusting the temperature of the bat…
See more on alzinfo.org

Pathophysiology

  • Requires assistance adjusting the temperature of the bath water. At approximately the same time as Alzheimers patients begin to lose the ability to put on their clothing properly without assistance, but generally, just a little bit later in the disease course, patients start to require assistance in handling the mechanics of bathing (Figure 7). Difficulty adjusting the temperature …
See more on alzinfo.org

Society and culture

  • Requires assistance to maintain continence (Figure 9). People with Alzheimers lose the ability to dress, bathe and toilet without assistance, they develop incontinence. Generally, urinary incontinence precedes fecal incontinence. Strategies to prevent episodes of incontinence include taking the patient to the restroom and supervision of toileting.
See more on alzinfo.org

Clinical significance

  • Recall of current events is generally deficient to the extent that the patient cannot name the current national head of state or other, similarly prominent newsworthy figures. Persons at this sixth stage will most often not be able to recall the names of any of the schools which they attended. They may, or may not, recall such basic life events as the names of their parents, their …
See more on alzinfo.org