What are the later signs and symptoms of AD?

As the illness progresses, decline becomes evident in visual-spatial and language abilities. The combined loss of memory and visual-spatial orientation places a person at greater risk of getting lost in unfamiliar surroundings. This can result in confusing experiences for a person with Alzheimer disease who is walking or driving alone. The person with AD may experience difficulty finding words, understanding complex instructions, or following multiple step commands. Thus, in the mid stages of Alzheimer disease, a person needs increased assistance with activities of daily living and personal care such as dressing, grooming, and bathing. If the illness goes on for many years, independence is lost for most of the functions of daily life. And in the most advanced stages, walking and swallowing are affected. At this point, the person can be at risk for infections such as pneumonia or sepsis.