Four Stages of AD

Early-stage AD is recognized when one exhibits recent memory loss, mild
aphasia, avoidance of the unfamiliar, difficulty writing, and necessity for reminders to perform ADLs such as dressing, washing, brushing one’s teeth,
and combing one’s hair. Apathy and depression are common.
Middle-stage AD is recognized when one exhibits routine recent memory
loss, moderate aphasia, getting lost in familiar surroundings, repetitive actions,
apraxia, mood and behavior disturbances, and necessity for reminders
and help with ADLs.
Late-stage AD is recognized when one misidentifies familiar people and
places, is bradykinesic (exhibits slowness of movement and general muscle
rigidity), frequently falls, has more frequent mood and behavior disturbances,
and needs help with all ADLs.
Terminal-stage AD is recognized when one has no association to past or
present, is mute or enunciates few coherent words, is oblivious to surroundings,
has little spontaneous movement, is dysphagic (has difficulty swallowing),
exhibits passive mood and behavior, and needs total care.
DSM-IV divides Alzheimer’s disease into subtypes that represent the predominant
features of the clinical presentation: with delirium, with delusions,
with depressed mood, and uncomplicated. “With behavioral disturbance”
can also be used to indicate the presence of difficulties such as
wandering or combativeness.