What You Need to Know About the 6 Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease

This progressive neurodegenerative disorder robs us of our memories. Doctors detail the 6 stages of Alzheimer's disease, to aid in early detection.

By Carina Woudenberg
Jul 17, 2023 1:00 PMAug 10, 2023 6:58 PM
Alzheimer's disease conceptual
(Credit: Lightspring/Shutterstock)

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Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by a slow yet steady progression of memory loss. It often begins with simple omissions like forgetting a name before eventually robbing its host of the ability to perform basic tasks such as getting dressed.

The Stages of Alzheimer's Disease

But how, exactly, does this progression unfold? Medical professionals often break down the disorder into the following stages:

1. Preclinical Stage

This phase can last up to 20 years before the person even has any signs of disease — yet misbehaving proteins in the brain are already setting the stage for a takeover.

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