According to the Alzheimer's Association, there are 7 different stages of Alzheimer's.

Alzheimer's starts out very mild, and usually isn't diagnosed until well into the mild stages. Early symptoms are memory loss, lapse of judgment and subtle changes in personality. You may see a lower attention span for things they normally loved, and may get lost easier, even in familiar places. They may begin placing common objects in odd places, such as the mail in the freezer. And they may begin asking repetitive questions.

As a person moves into the moderate Alzheimer's stages, they begin to lose the ability to follow written instruction, and can't seem to organize thoughts. They may become confused with simple day to day chores such as getting dressed, and may need help determining what type of clothing is appropriate for the season, or for the time of day. They may also have trouble recognizing people in their lives, and mix up the relationship of those around them. This is also the stage where some begin to wander, and can become lost very easily. Full time care is needed at this stage.

Severe Alzheimer's requires help with all of their daily needs. They lose the ability to walk without assistance, and need support with all daily functions. They may refuse to eat, and will rarely recognize family members.

One of the most stressful jobs is the role of caregiving. Remember the caregiver in your life as well.

Provide them with a gift to help relieve stress, or provides a few hours of free time.

Gift certificates, either handmade within the family or through a service, for items like house cleaning, meal preparation, lawn mowing/snow removal, laundry services, and personal pampering such as massages, facials or manicures/pedicures.

Books are also great gifts. Try giving a novel-for-pleasure paired with a book created to assist caregivers, such as:

· "Alzheimer's: A Caregiver's Guide and Sourcebook," by H. Gruetzner

· "Caring for Your Parents In Their Senior Years: A Guide For Grown-up Children" by William Molloy