Disorientation in relation to time and place occurs often, along with increased anxiety and recurring mood swings. Finally, the third stage is marked by severe disorientation and confusion. Usually, the worst signs of memory loss and disorientation occur at night. In this stage of Alzheimer s disease, patients often suffer from symptoms of psychosis such as hallucinations and paranoid delusions. Also, nervous system deficits becomes apparent.
Patients lose their perception of social norms.
Some become violent and uncontrollable, while others show signs of helplessness and become very docile. Furthermore, patients wander aimlessly and show disregard for personal hygiene. Many times the burden for care becomes too great for the patients families. The patients are given full-time hospital care and nursing until death. Neurofibrillary tangles, which are paired helical filaments existing inside the neurons, are not exclusive to Alzheimer s patients.