The disease can last 10-15 years While no Alzheimer's patient experiences the disease in exactly the same way as the next Alzheimer's patient, there are certain characteristics common to most victims. Knowing what to expect can help.
Clinicians often break the disease down into a series of stages, from mild to moderate to severe.
In the mild stage of the disease there may be very few signs of cognitive or mental problems. The main complaint is often that the person forgets where they have put things. Often, they may have difficulty finding the right word. At this very early stage, they may still work, drive a car and relatives may not notice that there is anything wrong. The patient may be aware of these gradual changes and compensate by seeking out familiar places and friends, keeping lists and avoiding new situations.