How Does Dementia Cause Death?

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 in which symptoms will be severe and 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 will need 24-hour assistance as the disease progresses.

How Dementia Causes Death

The underlying symptoms of dementia are usually what lead to a patient’s death in the late stages of the disease. 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 itself can make a patient 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 a number of other medical complications which can occur. The inability to eat alone can be detrimental to their health as it leads to weight loss, malnutrition, and dehydration. The patient may even forget how to breathe on their own as the disease reaches its final stages.

Need a Caregiver for a Patient Suffering from Dementia in Phoenix, AZ?

Are you looking for a qualified, affordable caregiver trained in dementia care? Call (480) 999-3012 and talk to one of our staff at Devoted Guardians. We are one of Arizona’s largest home care providers and offer daily 24-hour living assistance, including nighttime watch, and personal care.