No clue where we are in AD

@Kellybelle

IME, physicians tend to look at dementia using a 3-stage model (mild/moderate/severe) that aligns with what treatments are appropriate. Caregivers tend to use a 7-stage model that is based on assistance needed with IADLs/ADLs.

Given that he qualified for infusion medication, his doctor would likely consider him in an early stage.

IMO, family caregivers tend to have the best idea about progression as their LO is unlikely to showtime around them. The rule of thumb is that a PWD is considered to be in the latest stage for which they have behaviors or symptoms.

I think stage is important when considering safety issues. The age equivalents in DBAT can be useful gut checks around things like staying home alone.

Here’s a chart of stages for you to look at and then estimate your PWAD where he is at. My DW was diagnosed with EOAD in 2023 and was told by Neurologist that it probably started several years before. At diagnoses she was probably stage three and stayed the until January 2025. Since then she progressed to today to late stage 5 early stage 6. We both decided at the beginning to not take any medications that might slow the progression. We also got all our medical DPOA and financial DPOA done while she could still somewhat understand and be part of the decisions. Today she has no idea who I am or what state she lives in or anything that involves numbers. I have to help her shower and dress each morning so far.
The 7 stages of Alzheimer’s disease come from the Global Deterioration Scale (GDS), which outlines the progression of symptoms from normal memory function to severe dementia. Here’s a clear breakdown:

Stage 1: No Impairment

No memory problems.

• Normal behavior, independence, and function.
• Alzheimer’s not detectable.

Stage 2: Very Mild Decline
Occasional forgetfulness (like misplacing keys, forgetting names).

• Still functions independently.
• Symptoms often dismissed as “normal aging.”

Stage 3: Mild Decline (Early-Stage Alzheimer’s)

Noticeable memory problems:

• Trouble remembering names of new people.
• Difficulty organizing tasks or planning.
• Trouble finding the right words.
• 
  
• Family/friends may begin to notice changes.
• Person may cover up symptoms.

Stage 4: Moderate Decline (Mild Alzheimer’s)

Clear difficulty with:

• Managing finances and paying bills.
• Remembering recent events.
• Traveling alone to new places.
• 
  
• Mood changes (withdrawal, denial).
• Still oriented to time and place, but memory lapses are obvious.

Stage 5: Moderately Severe Decline (Moderate Alzheimer’s)

Increasingly dependent on others.

• May forget personal details (phone number, address).
• Needs help choosing proper clothing.
• Can still eat, toilet, and bathe independently (mostly).

Stage 6: Severe Decline (Moderately Severe Alzheimer’s)

Requires help with daily living: dressing, bathing, toileting.

• Significant personality and behavior changes:
  
  • Suspicion, delusions, or wandering.
  • Anxiety, agitation, or aggression.
• 
  
• Forgetting spouse/close family names.
• Incontinence may develop.
• 
  MStage 7: Very Severe Decline (Late-Stage Alzheimer’s)

Loss of ability to speak coherently.

• Needs assistance with all daily activities.
• Loses motor skills: difficulty walking, sitting, eventually swallowing.
• No recognition of family.
• Requires 24/7 care.