Happy & Healthy with Amy

The 5 As of Alzheimer's Progression: Beyond Memory Loss

Amy Lang Season 2 Episode 17

It starts with forgetting a name or a date. But Alzheimer’s is so much more than memory loss.

In this powerful episode, I share the five A’s of Alzheimer’s progression—what they are, how they affect your loved ones, and what you can do right now to protect your brain. If you have a family history of Alzheimer’s, if you’ve been avoiding learning about Alzheimer’s because it feels too scary, if you think hoping you don't get it is your only option—this episode will change your mind.

I’m getting real about what actually happens in the brain as this disease progresses, and why understanding the 5 A’s can empower you to take action and protect your future.

What to Listen For

  • (00:01) A vivid, gut-wrenching description of what late-stage Alzheimer’s really feels like
  • (05:45) Amy’s personal journey with her mom’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis—and how it changed everything
  • (10:10) The 5 A’s of Alzheimer’s explained: Amnesia, Anomia, Agnosia, Aphasia, Apraxia
  • (14:15) Why short-term memory loss isn’t the only symptom to watch for
  • (17:00) The heartbreaking signs of agnosia: when your loved one forgets your face
  • (21:30) Why someone with Alzheimer’s might put keys in the freezer—and what it really means
  • (24:45) How incontinence and mobility loss often signal the tipping point for caregiving
  • (28:40) The stages of Alzheimer’s progression—how the disease takes over the brain
  • (32:50) Why women are at greater risk—and how menopause plays a major role
  • (35:00) What you can do now to reduce your risk

Alzheimer’s isn’t just about memory and finding your keys in the freezer. It’s about losing your independence, your identity, and ultimately your dignity and your life. 

In this episode, we dive deep into what’s really happening in the brain, so you can take control of your cognitive future. 

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