Many families find themselves grappling with the reality of Alzheimer’s disease, especially as loved ones age. For those with elderly relatives, understanding the condition and its potential legal and estate planning implications is essential. If you or a family member has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, being informed about the progression of the disease can empower you to make better decisions about care and planning.
What Is Alzheimer’s?
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that primarily impacts memory, reasoning, and everyday functioning. According to the National Institute on Aging, it is the leading cause of dementia, often diagnosed in individuals over the age of 65, although it can sometimes appear earlier. Approximately one in nine people aged 65 or older is living with Alzheimer’s in the United States, where it is a major public health issue.
As of 2025, Alzheimer’s affects over seven million Americans, a number that is projected to more than double by 2050 due to an aging population. The Alzheimer’s Association estimates that the condition accounts for between 60 and 80 percent of dementia cases, making it the most prevalent form of the disorder. Tragically, it is also one of the leading causes of death among older adults, claiming more lives annually than breast and prostate cancers combined.
Women are disproportionately affected, with one in five developing Alzheimer’s after age 45, compared to one in ten men. The disease also places a heavy burden on caregivers. In 2025 alone nearly 12 million Americans provided unpaid care for people with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. In 2025, Alzheimer’s and other dementias will cost the nation $384 billion, and that cost is projected to rise to nearly $1 Trillion by the year 2050. These figures highlight the immense toll Alzheimer’s takes on individuals, families, and society, underscoring the need for informed planning and support.
How Alzheimer’s Progresses
If you or someone close to you has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, understanding its progression is crucial for both emotional preparation and practical planning. The disease typically advances through the following stages:
- Stage One: Changes in the brain begin years before symptoms become apparent. This phase, often called “pre-clinical Alzheimer’s,” can start 10 to 15 years prior to any noticeable signs.
- Stage Two: Mild memory issues begin to surface, such as forgetting names or dates more frequently. These early signs are often brushed off as normal aging but may signal the onset of the disease.
- Stage Three: Memory problems become more frequent and noticeable, such as difficulty retaining new information. This stage is when Alzheimer’s is often formally diagnosed.
- Stage Four: Symptoms become more pronounced, including memory lapses, challenges with language, and struggles with tasks like organization or basic calculations. Mood swings or changes in personality may also develop, and individuals begin to require some level of supervision.
- Stage Five: Recognizing loved ones becomes increasingly difficult, and assistance with everyday tasks, such as dressing, becomes necessary. At this stage, delusions, paranoia, or hallucinations may also occur.
- Stage Six: Communication abilities diminish significantly, often leading to frustration. Living independently is no longer possible, and constant care is required to ensure safety and well-being.
- Stage Seven: In the final phase, both cognitive and physical impairments are severe. Extensive damage to brain cells leads to the body gradually shutting down.
Preparing for Alzheimer’s
Understanding these stages is critical for developing an effective plan to manage the challenges ahead. A comprehensive approach often includes organizing financial and legal affairs, seeking appropriate medical care, and ensuring emotional support for both the individual and their caregivers. Proactive measures, such as creating an estate plan that includes assigning power of attorney, can help reduce stress and provide clarity during what is often an overwhelming time. By educating yourself about the disease’s progression and planning for future needs, you can help ensure that the individual with Alzheimer’s receives the care and support they require at every stage.
Can We Help You Incorporate Alzheimer’s Disease into Your Estate Plan?
For more information, please contact our estate planning office in Owings Mills, Maryland by calling 410-654-3850 to schedule an appointment.
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