Middle-stage Alzheimer’s disease is a critical period where your loved one may require increased assistance as their cognitive abilities decline. This stage often lasts two to four years and brings noticeable changes that can affect memory and behavior.
By recognizing these signs early, you can ensure they receive the care they need, such as exploring options like assisted living, which can provide additional support for you and your loved one.
Memory Loss and Repetitive Behavior
Memory loss becomes more prominent during this stage, especially with recent events. You might notice that your loved one forgets conversations or experiences from the same day. They may even struggle to remember the names of people close to them.
This forgetfulness can also manifest in repetitive behavior, such as asking the same questions multiple times, unaware that they’ve already received an answer. While this can be frustrating, it is a clear indicator of the progression of the disease.
Confusion with Time and Place
Another common symptom of middle-stage Alzheimer’s disease is disorientation. Your loved one might become confused about where they are or the time of day. This can lead to anxiety, especially when they believe they need to be somewhere else, even if they are already at home.
This confusion often results in a desire to “go home,” even if they’re in familiar surroundings. Wandering, in particular, becomes a concern as they may leave home, thinking they need to be elsewhere.
Language and Communication Difficulties
Communicating with someone in the middle stages of Alzheimer’s can be challenging. Aphasia, or difficulty finding the right words, may make it hard for them to express themselves. They might begin a sentence, lose track of what they say, or have trouble following conversations.
Their speech could become more fragmented, with frequent pauses or incomplete thoughts. In addition, you may notice that your loved one’s vocabulary shrinks, and their ability to hold meaningful conversations diminishes over time.
Behavioral and Personality Changes
Changes in personality and behavior are common in this stage. You might observe mood swings, where your loved one becomes agitated or anxious without clear triggers. Depression can also set in, causing withdrawal from social interactions or activities they once enjoyed.
Paranoia and delusions may arise, where your loved one suspects people around them of wrongdoings. This can include beliefs that family members are stealing from them or that someone is out to harm them. These unfounded suspicions can make caregiving more challenging and require patience and understanding.
Sleep and Daily Activity Struggles
Disruptions in sleep patterns are frequent during middle-stage Alzheimer’s. Your loved one may wake up in the middle of the night and feel restless, which can lead to exhaustion during the day. Simple daily tasks, like dressing or bathing, may become overwhelming and often require assistance.
Eating habits can also change, with some individuals needing help maintaining regular meals or developing unusual food preferences. The combination of cognitive decline and physical changes can make these daily activities more difficult to manage alone.
Agitation in the Late Afternoon (Sundowning)
Sundowning is a term used to describe the increased confusion and agitation that occurs later in the day. Your loved one might become more restless or anxious as the sun sets. This agitation can include pacing, irritability, or heightened confusion, making evenings more challenging for caregivers. You may notice that their mood worsens significantly as the day progresses, which can strain your efforts to keep them calm and engaged.
Restlessness and Inappropriate Behavior
Restlessness is another common behavior that manifests in middle-stage Alzheimer’s disease. You might see your loved one fidgeting frequently or unable to sit still. In some cases, they may begin to engage in socially inappropriate behaviors, such as making comments or gestures that seem out of character.
This loss of social inhibition can be difficult to navigate in public settings, requiring patience and understanding from those around them.
When to Seek Additional Help
As your loved one progresses through the middle stages of Alzheimer’s disease, you may notice these symptoms intensifying. This is often the point when caregiving becomes more demanding, and you might find yourself needing additional support.
If their behavior, memory loss, or confusion disrupt their daily life significantly, it may be time to consider professional care options. Regular check-ins with healthcare providers can help manage the symptoms and guide you and your loved one on the best path forward.
How We Can Help
If your loved one is experiencing the signs of middle-stage Alzheimer’s, we are here to provide the care and support they need. Our Memory Care community is designed to cater to their needs with compassionate care and programs tailored to their situation.
Contact us to schedule a tour or learn more about how we can assist in creating a safe and nurturing environment for your loved one.
