The most common signs of mild, Stage 4 Alzheimer’s Disease are those related to the decreased ability to handle complex activities, and may be evident in things like difficulty in writing checks, shopping or ordering from a menu.

Symptoms of memory loss become pronounced at this stage.Remembering recent important events, the day of the week or year become more difficult and evident, though general recall of significant facts like a home address, current events or the name of public figures is fairly easy and correct. At this stage, individuals may be cognitively aware of their deficit, and become withdrawn emotionally as they attempt to deal with this awareness.

In the moderate stage, Stage 5, increased memory deficits may preclude independent living as choosing proper clothing or remembering to change clothes, preparing meals or paying bills may require the assistance of a family member or caregiver.

Constant supervision often becomes necessary. Cognitively, at this stage what is remembered and not remembered by a person may vary greatly from moment-to-moment, and emotionally, anger and suspicion may increase.

While Alzheimer’s can be a burden to patients and their caregivers, clinical research trials like rethinkALZ and refocusALZ are looking at new ways to fight this disease.