Why You May Be Noticing an Accelerated Progression of Alzheimer’s

If you’re noticing a more rapid progression of Alzheimer’s lately in someone you love, there are several reasons you’ll want to explore.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if there were a detailed Alzheimer’s care manual, complete with step-by-step instructions and insights into what to expect at every stage? While there are general patterns in the progression of Alzheimer’s, the disease unfolds uniquely for each person. This unpredictability can make caregiving especially challenging, as you never quite know what the next day—or even the next hour—might bring.

Even though the progression of Alzheimer’s varies, there are certain red flags to be aware of that fall outside the normal expectations of the disease. One of the most concerning is a sudden and dramatic worsening of symptoms. This abrupt shift often points to an underlying issue that needs immediate attention. Some of the common causes of such changes include:

• Delirium: This can result from infections, hospital stays, medication side effects, dehydration, lack of sleep, constipation, or surgery.
• Stroke or brain injury: Falls or other incidents that cause trauma to the brain can lead to sudden changes.
• Routine disruption: Moves, caregiver changes, or hospitalizations can increase confusion and exacerbate symptoms.
• Undiagnosed illnesses: Conditions such as cancer or prion diseases can contribute to unexpected declines.
• Sundowning: A late-day increase in confusion, agitation, or other behavioral changes, commonly referred to as sundowning, can be particularly disorienting.

What Are the Typical Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease?

To understand the nature of sudden changes, it helps to have a baseline understanding of how Alzheimer’s disease progresses over time. While each person’s journey is unique, Alzheimer’s generally follows these stages:

1. Early Stage: The initial signs are often subtle, such as brief lapses in short-term memory, difficulty recalling words, or becoming disoriented in familiar places.
2. Middle Stage: During this phase, cognitive challenges become more pronounced. The individual may struggle to perform daily tasks independently, like preparing meals, managing finances, or maintaining personal hygiene. Behavioral changes, such as irritability or confusion, also become more apparent.
3. Late Stage: This advanced stage can span several years. The person may no longer recognize loved ones, respond to their environment, or communicate effectively. As the body begins to shut down, care needs become fully dependent.

While a gradual decline is part of the disease, any sudden, unexpected shift in condition is a red flag that requires immediate medical attention.

What to Do If You Notice a Sudden Decline

If you observe an abrupt worsening of Alzheimer’s symptoms, seek medical help right away. Identifying the root cause is critical to addressing and potentially reversing the issue.

One tool that can help both you and the medical team is a dementia care journal. Keeping track of daily patterns and behaviors provides valuable insights. Your journal can include:

• Sleep and eating habits
• Medications taken, along with any noted side effects
• Behavioral changes, including details about timing and possible triggers
• Strategies that help calm or comfort the person during difficult moments
• Notes on the person’s overall demeanor and mood

This record helps caregivers and medical professionals piece together the puzzle of what may have caused a sudden change and determine the best course of action.

How Hired Hands Homecare Can Help

At Hired Hands Homecare, our caregivers are specially trained in Alzheimer’s and dementia care. They can provide the expert, compassionate support your loved one needs while helping you navigate the challenges of caregiving. From spotting subtle changes in condition to implementing effective care strategies, we are here to ensure your loved one receives the highest quality of care.

Contact us today at (866) 940-4343 to learn more about the difference our skilled dementia care in Petaluma, San Rafael, Novato, and throughout the Bay Area can make in the life of someone you love.