Dr. Reisberg who originally developed the Global Deterioration scale involved seven stages -of Alzheimer's disease, also developed an approach to Alzheimer's disease management and care based on commonalities of behavior and function.

Based on the seven stages, after six-eight years of observation, Reisberg explained: "I recognized that I could describe a total of 16 stages and sub-stages that persons go through with aging and AD. These 16 stages, I realized, reversed normal development. Continuing work in this area enabled me to develop a science of AD management based on stages of the disease and based in part on human developmental analogies. Therefore, I could for example say how much care and the kind of care that people require, depending on the stage of the condition."

The interview, conducted by Jed Levine, also discusses winners and accomplishments of the hearthstone Awards for psycho-social needs and the psycho-social science of provision of care for persons with AD.

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