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Abstract INTRODUCTION We examined associations between the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale (CDR) and function (Functional Assessment Scale [FAS]), neuropsychiatric symptoms (Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire [NPI‐Q]), and cognitive impairment in Alzheimer's disease (AD). METHODS We used data from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center Uniform Data Set and defined cognitively unimpaired and AD stages using CDR‐global. RESULTS Functional and neuropsychiatric symptoms occur as early as the mild cognitive impairment (MCI) phase. The adjusted lest square mean FAS (95% confidence interval [CI]) was lowest in cognitively unimpaired (3.88 [3.66, 4.11] to 5.01 [4.76, 5.26]) and higher with more advanced AD (MCI: 8.17 [6.92, 9.43] to 20.87 [19.53, 22.20]; mild: 18.54 [17.57, 19.50] to 28.13 [27.14, 29.12]; moderate: 26.01 [25.31, 26.70] to 29.42 [28.73, 30.10]). FAS and NPI‐Q scores increased steeply with MCI (NPI‐Q: 5.55 [4.89, 6.20] to 7.11 [6.43, 7.78]) and mild AD dementia (NPI‐Q: 6.66 [5.72, 7.60] to 8.32 [7.32, 9.33]). DISCUSSION CDR‐global staged AD by capturing differences in relevant outcomes along AD progression. Highlights There were strong associations among CDR and the various outcomes relevant to healthcare providers, patients, and their care givers, such as activities of daily living. Overall, activities of daily living, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and cognitive function outcomes deteriorated over time and can be observed in early stages of AD (MCI or mild dementia). Our findings directly inform the current understanding of AD progression and can aid in care planning and benefit assessments of early AD interventions to delay the progression of AD to more advanced stages.