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While the progression of dysfunction is variable, ADC can be fatal if left untreated. Stage 0 (normal): The patient has normal mental and motor function. Stage 0.5 (subclinical): The patient experiences mild cognitive or motor dysfunction symptoms, such as slowed extremity movement. However, symptoms do not interfere with the patient's ability to perform daily activities. Gait and strength are normal. Stage 1 (mild): There is evidence of cognitive or motor dysfunction that characteristic of ADC. Patients may experience mental slowness, trouble with memory, poor concentration, as well as loss of fine motor control, reduced balance and clumsiness. Symptoms do not interfere with the patient's ability to perform activities of daily living. However, the patient may experience difficulty with rigorous physical or mental activities. Stage 2 (moderate): The patient experiences moderate ADC symptoms. The patient is able to perform basic self–care activities. Patients at this stage can walk, but may require a mobility cane. The patient cannot maintain the more demanding aspects of daily life. Stage 3 (severe): The patient experiences severe cognitive dysfunction and cannot sustain complex conversations. Motor dysfunction is also severe. The patient cannot walk without the help of a walker or personal support. Motor skills are significantly slower and clumsier than normal. Stage 4 (end stage): The ADC patient is almost in a vegetative state. Intellectual and social comprehension is severely dysfunctional. At this stage, most patients are nearly or completely mute. The patient may be paraparetic (partial paralysis of the lower half of the body) or paraplegic (complete paralysis of the lower half of the body). Patients may also be incontinent (unable to control excretion of both urine and feces).
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