Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive form of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking, and behavior. It is a degenerative disease that worsens over time, and unfortunately, there is no known cure.

This means that the final stages of Alzheimer’s can be quite distressing for both the person affected and their loved ones.

What Happens in the Final Stages of Alzheimer’s?

The final stages of Alzheimer’s can last for several months or even years, depending on the individual. During this time, the person may experience a range of symptoms, including:.

Severe memory loss
Loss of physical abilities
Difficulty communicating
Incontinence
Difficulty swallowing
Weight loss
Difficulty sleeping
Increased susceptibility to infections
Changes in behavior

The person may also become more withdrawn and have difficulty recognizing family members and loved ones. They may display a lack of interest in food, drink, and other activities or stimuli that they once enjoyed.

As the condition progresses, the person will require more and more support with daily tasks, such as bathing, dressing, and eating.

How Does Alzheimer’s Cause Death?

Alzheimer’s disease does not directly cause death, but it can lead to a range of complications that can ultimately be fatal.

In the final stages of the disease, the person’s brain may no longer be able to control their bodily functions, leading to a variety of health problems.

Dehydration

As Alzheimer’s progresses, the person may become increasingly reliant on others for food and drink. They may also forget how to drink or swallow, making it difficult to keep them hydrated.

Dehydration can lead to a range of health problems, including urinary tract infections, kidney failure, and pneumonia.

Infections

People with Alzheimer’s are more susceptible to infections, particularly as the disease progresses and they become more dependent on others for personal care.

Urinary tract infections are common in people with Alzheimer’s, as are lung infections such as pneumonia. These infections can be difficult to treat, particularly in the advanced stages of the disease, and can ultimately be fatal.

Aspiration Pneumonia

Aspiration pneumonia can occur when a person inhales food or liquid into their lungs, leading to an infection. This is particularly common in people with Alzheimer’s who have difficulty swallowing or controlling their oral secretions.

Aspiration pneumonia can be difficult to treat and can cause serious complications, including respiratory failure.

Falls and Fractures

People with Alzheimer’s are at an increased risk of falls and fractures, particularly in the later stages of the disease when they may be unsteady on their feet or have difficulty with balance and coordination.

Falls can cause serious injuries, including broken bones, head injuries, and internal bleeding, which can be life-threatening.

Malnutrition

As Alzheimer’s progresses, the person may lose their appetite and forget to eat, leading to malnutrition. Malnutrition can cause a range of health problems, including weakness, impaired immune function, and an increased risk of infections.

In severe cases, malnutrition can lead to organ failure and death.

Wandering

Some people with Alzheimer’s may become agitated or confused and wander away from their home or care facility. Wandering can be dangerous, particularly if the person is disoriented or has difficulty finding their way back.

They may become lost, dehydrated, or fall and injure themselves. In some cases, wandering can be fatal.

Complications from Medications

People with Alzheimer’s may be taking a range of medications to manage their symptoms, such as anti-psychotic or anti-anxiety drugs. Some medications can have dangerous side effects, particularly in older adults with multiple health problems.

These side effects may lead to complications such as respiratory failure or cardiac arrest.

Coping with the Final Stages of Alzheimer’s

The final stages of Alzheimer’s can be particularly challenging, both for the person with the disease and their loved ones. It can be a time of great sadness, anxiety, and uncertainty. However, there are ways to make the journey less difficult:.

Get Support

Caring for a person with Alzheimer’s can be emotionally and physically exhausting. It is important to seek out support from family, friends, or professional caregivers.

Support groups can also be helpful in providing a safe space to share experiences and receive support from others who are going through similar situations.

Focus on Comfort

As the person’s condition worsens, the focus should shift from curative measures to providing comfort and quality of life.

This may involve palliative care, which can help manage pain, reduce anxiety, and provide emotional support to both the person with the disease and their family members.

Plan Ahead

It is important to have a plan in place for the final stages of the disease. This may involve considering different types of care, such as hospice care or in-home care, and deciding on end-of-life wishes.

Having these plans in place can help reduce stress and uncertainty during a difficult time.

Conclusion

Alzheimer’s disease is a devastating illness that can have a significant impact on both the person with the disease and their loved ones.

While the final stages of the disease can be difficult, it is important to remember that there are ways to cope and provide comfort to the person with the disease. By seeking out support, focusing on comfort, and planning ahead, it is possible to make the journey less challenging for everyone involved.