A client diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease initiates the same conversation repeatedly, becomes aggressive when stressed, needs reminders to perform ADLs, and is easily lost in his neighborhood. This client is likely in what stage of Alzheimer’s disease?
Rationale: Alzheimer’s disease is a form of dementia that develops over time and gradually worsens. A client who initiates the same conversation repeatedly, displays aggression when stressed, and becomes easily lost in familiar places is showing signs consistent with the moderate stage of Alzheimer’s disease. A client with pre-Alzheimer’s would not have changes in function. Early and mild Alzheimer’s is characterized by memory lapses but no changes in medical function that reflect dementia. Late to severe Alzheimer’s is reflected by medical deficiencies such as incontinence, abnormal reflexes, and rigidity.
