As dementia progresses through each stage the symptoms become more severe, and cognitive decline gets worse. Dementia is an umbrella term that covers several progressive brain diseases, such as Alzheimer’s. The different types of dementia progress at different rates and are accompanied by different symptoms, but relatively all forms of dementia share the same characteristics in their final stage. Eventually, all patients suffering from dementia will reach late-stage dementia, with severe symptoms that can lead to death.
Here is a list of signs to look out for.
The final stage, or late-stage dementia, can vary in length. I may last a few weeks, months, or even several years. In the final stage of dementia, the patient will need assistance with most or all activities of daily living. They may also be unable to eat or swallow and are much more susceptible to infections and diseases. They will likely be bedridden, unable to walk or stand, and need 24-hour assistance as the disease progresses.
How Dementia Causes Death
The underlying symptoms of dementia usually lead to a patient’s death in the late stages. Dementia can cause death due to medical complications related to the disease’s symptoms. As the disease progresses and the patient is no longer able to stand or walk and eventually unable to swallow, this can lead to other complications. The disease can make patients more susceptible to infections, but their immobility and difficulty swallowing can also cause complications.
Common causes of death for dementia patients are infections such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections that lead to other illnesses, or several other medical complications which can occur. The inability to eat alone can be detrimental to their health, leading to weight loss, malnutrition, and dehydration. The patient may even forget to breathe independently as the disease progresses.
Need a Caregiver for a Patient Suffering from Dementia in Wichita, KS?
Are you looking for a qualified, affordable caregiver trained in dementia care? Call (316) 691-5050 and talk to one of our staff at Progressive Care. We are one of Kansas’s largest home care providers and offer 24-hour living assistance, including nighttime watch and personal care.
