Stage 5

Stage 5 defined by the Alzhemer's Association

Major gaps in memory and deficits in cognitive function emerge. Some assistance with day-to-day activities becomes essential. At this stage, individuals may:

• Be unable during a medical interview to recall such important details as their current address, their telephone number or the name of the college or high school from which they graduated

• Become confused about where they are or about the date, day of the week or season

• Have trouble with less challenging mental arithmetic; for example, counting backward from 40 by 4s or from 20 by 2s

• Need help choosing proper clothing for the season or the occasion

• Usually retain substantial knowledge about themselves and know their own name and the names of their spouse or children

• Usually require no assistance with eating or using the toilet
  

This is a tough stage, you can tell by the look on your loved ones face that they are struggling and they get testy when you remind them of things like what day it is or they may need a coat outside.  Of course the severity of the mood is dependent on the patient.  Like I've stated before every patient is different.  I've personally heard horror stories about how disgruntled patients can be and sometimes violent, I thank my lucky stars that my Dad was not that violent.  My advise is to be supportive not condescending.  When they don't recall the day, say something like "you know it does feel like a Friday, just on Wednesday" or if the patient is retired or has no plans, who really cares what day it is!  Life is to short to worry about what day of the week it is.  

And just as a side, can anyone shoot me in the foot, I think that it might be less painful than installing our new operating software at work!  I'm a pretty bright gal, but there are only so many brain cells that I can blow (kind of like fuses) before I am just brain dead.  I think I might have about 2 left this week!  Hopefully I can pick some up at Target this weekend (they do sell them don't they??).  Ok enough for now.

Go COCKS!

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Blessings,

Magnolia