From the book Alzheimer’s disease, the guide by the authors Judes Poirier Ph. D. CQ and Serge Gauthier MD

The most widely used classification worldwide is the Global Deterioration Scale (EDG) by Dr. Barry Reisberg, which has seven stages (Figure 18).

Stage 1 applies to anyone who is aging normally, but also to people who are at risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease one day. The risk rate varies greatly from one individual to another depending on family history (and therefore genetic background) and what happens during his life (level of education, high blood pressure, etc.).

Stage 2 of the disease is that of “subjective cognitive impairment”. The impression that the brain slows down is well known to everyone, especially after fifty years. If a person who was engaged in activities of a certain intellectual caliber notices a slowdown at work or in complex leisure activities (playing bridge, for example) over a relatively short period (of the order of a year), this deserves a evaluation by his family doctor.

Stage 3 is the one that has generated the most research for five to seven years, because it could possibly allow treatment with the interruption or slowing of the progression. It is usually referred to as “mild cognitive impairment”.

Stage 4 is when Alzheimer’s disease is usually recognized by everyone (family, friends, neighbors), but often denied by the affected person. This “anosognosia”, or the person’s lack of awareness of their functional difficulties, slightly lessens the burden for them, but increases it for their family.

Stage 5, called “moderate dementia”, is when the need for help with personal care appears: we will have to choose the clothes for the patient, suggest that he take a shower… It becomes difficult to leave the person sick alone at home because she could leave a stove heating element on, forget a running faucet, leave a door open or unlocked.

Stage 6, known as “severe dementia”, is distinguished by an acceleration of functional difficulties and the appearance of behavioral disorders of the “aggressiveness and agitation” type, especially at the time of personal hygiene or in the evening (twilight syndrome) .

Stage 7, known as “very severe to terminal dementia”, is marked by total dependence on all aspects of daily life. Motor changes compromise the balance when walking, which gradually confines the person to the wheelchair, the geriatric chair, and then to complete bed rest.

To learn more about Alzheimer’s disease:

Also available in digital format

Number of pages : 224

Year of publication: 2013

ISBN: 9782253167013