Before discussing the 10 signs death is near dementia, we should know what dementia is. It is the impairment of cognitive abilities such as thinking, remembering, and reasoning to the point where they interfere with a person’s daily activities. Some dementia patients are unable to manage their emotions, and their personalities may undergo a shift. The severity of dementia ranges from the mildest stage, in which the disease is just beginning to affect a person’s functioning, to the severest stage, characterized by total dependence on others for basic activities of daily living.
Table of Contents
- What are the most prevalent dementia types?
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Vascular dementia
- Lewy body dementia
- Fronto-temporal dementia
- Mixed dementia
- Reversible causes
- How is dementia diagnosed?
- Isn’t dementia part of normal aging?
- Important 10 signs death is near dementia
- 7 Last stages of dementia before death
- How Long is the Final Stage of Dementia?
- Can a Dementia Patient Die Suddenly?
What are the most prevalent dementia types?
The following are common types of dementia that lead to 10 signs of a dementia patient.
Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease is responsible for 60 to 80% of dementia cases. Unique brain alterations cause it. The hallmark symptom is the inability to recall recent events, such as a conversation that occurred minutes or hours ago. Still, difficulties recalling more distant memories develop later in the disease. Other challenges appear later, such as trouble walking or speaking and personality changes. The most significant risk factor is family history. You’re risk increases if you have a first-degree relative with Alzheimer’s, and developing the illness increases by 10 to 30 percent.
Vascular dementia
Approximately 10% of dementia cases are associated with strokes or other problems with brain blood flow. Diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol are additional risk factors. Symptoms vary according to the affected region and the size of the brain. The disease proceeds in stages, meaning the individual’s symptoms will suddenly worsen with more strokes or mini-strokes.
Learn More: 7 Stages of Vascular Dementia
Lewy body dementia
In addition to more common symptoms such as memory loss, patients with this type of dementia may also experience movement or balance issues such as stiffness or trembling. Many individuals also suffer alterations in alertness, such as daytime drowsiness, disorientation, and staring spells. They may also experience nighttime insomnia or apparitions of the eyes (perceiving people, objects, or shapes that are not present).
Learn More: 7 STAGES OF LEWY BODY DEMENTIA
Fronto-temporal dementia
This type of dementia typically results in personality and behavioral abnormalities due to the brain region it affects. People with this syndrome may behave inappropriately or embarrass themselves. For instance, a formerly cautious individual may make inappropriate remarks and neglect family or job responsibilities. There may also be difficulties with language skills such as speaking and comprehension.
Learn More: How To Cure Insomnia In 12 Minutes
Mixed dementia
Occasionally, many types of dementia coexist in the brain, particularly in adults 80 and older. A person may have Alzheimer’s disease with vascular dementia, for instance. Because the symptoms of one kind of dementia may be more evident or overlap with those of another type, it is not always apparent whether a person has mixed dementia. The disease may proceed more rapidly than with a single form of dementia.
Reversible causes
Individuals with dementia may have a reversible underlying cause, such as a drug side effect, elevated brain pressure, vitamin insufficiency, or thyroid hormone imbalance. In dementia-suspicious patients, medical professionals should screen for reversible causes.
Causes of dementia
- Alzheimer’s disease is the most prevalent cause when plaques of amyloid protein and tau tangles form in the brain’s hippocampus, which interferes with learning and memory.
- The second most prevalent cause is Lewy Body dementia, which likewise causes cognitive issues due to aberrant protein deposits in the brain.
- The third type of dementia is frontotemporal dementia, characterized by aberrant protein accumulation in the frontal and temporal lobes located in the brain. Causes of impaired blood circulation include traumatic brain injuries, alcohol or drug abuse, infections, and fluid accumulation in the brain.
How is dementia diagnosed?
Doctors can examine dementia patients’ attention, memory, problem-solving, and other cognitive abilities to evaluate whether there are reasons for worry. A physical examination, blood tests, and brain scans such as a CT or MRI can assist in identifying the underlying cause.
Isn’t dementia part of normal aging?
No, many elderly individuals live their entire lives without obtaining dementia. Normal aging may be accompanied by deteriorating muscles and bones, hardening arteries and veins, and age-related memory problems that manifest as:
- Sometimes misplacing car keys.
- Having difficulty finding a word yet recalling it later
- Forgetting the name of a familiar person
- Forgetting recent occurrences
Important 10 signs death is near dementia
The following are 10 signs death is near dementia that do not always indicate imminent death, unlike a death rattle or deteriorating lung function. However, they are signaling that end is approaching. Possibly much closer.
- Everyday activities like eating, bathing, dressing, and using the restroom are challenging, if not impossible.
- It is impossible to sit up in bed without assistance.
- The inability to walk without support.
- Inability to communicate and express emotions through facial expressions.
- Dehydration.
- The primary cause of malnutrition is difficulties swallowing, drinking, and eating.
- Constantly suffering from urinary tract infections, pneumonia, blood clots, or bedsores.
- A persistent sense of agitation and restlessness (it may be due to an infection or pain).
- Unintelligible moaning.
- Changes in respiration.
7 Last stages of dementia before death
A person in the last stages of dementia before death is likely to have a compromised immune system. Its means that kids are at a greater risk of contracting infections, which in some situations can be persistent. Infectious pneumonia is one of the leading causes of death among dementia patients.
A person with severe dementia can exhibit symptoms that indicate they are near death, yet they may survive with these symptoms for several months. This uncertainty makes it exceedingly challenging to plan, and
A person with advanced dementia may see a steady deterioration over several months. Following are the last stages of dementia before death
- Becoming frailer is one of the common stages of dementia before death.
- Have more frequent falls or infections.
- Have problems eating, drinking, and swallowing.
- Be more likely to need urgent medical care.
- Become less mobile.
- Sleeping more is one of the major stages of dementia before death.
- Talk less often.
How Long is the Final Stage of Dementia?
The final stage of dementia can last anywhere from a few weeks to several years, depending on the individual case. On average, patients in the final stage of dementia live for around 6 to 12 months, but some patients may live for several years. The duration of the final stage of dementia can vary depending on the underlying cause of dementia, the patient’s overall health, and the quality of care they receive.
Can a Dementia Patient Die Suddenly?
Sudden death is a significant concern for dementia patients and their families. While it is not a common occurrence, it can happen in some cases. The risk of sudden death is higher in advanced stages of dementia, and it can be caused by a wide range of factors.
Causes of Sudden Death:
There can be multiple causes of sudden death in dementia patients, including:
- Cardiovascular events: Dementia patients are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke, which can lead to sudden death.
- Infections: Dementia patients are more susceptible to infections, which can be life-threatening in some cases.
- Aspiration pneumonia: Dementia patients are at a higher risk of developing aspiration pneumonia due to difficulty swallowing, which can be fatal.
- Dehydration and malnutrition: Dementia patients may forget to eat or drink, leading to dehydration and malnutrition, which can be fatal.
- Falls: Dementia patients may be prone to falls due to their impaired cognitive abilities, which can lead to serious injuries or even death.
Preventive Measures:
While sudden death cannot always be prevented, there are several measures that can help reduce the risk of complications and improve the overall quality of life for dementia patients. Some of the preventive measures include:
- Regular medical check-ups and monitoring of vital signs
- Proper nutrition and hydration
- Ensuring a safe and comfortable living environment
- Regular exercise and physical therapy
- Social engagement and activities to prevent isolation
- Proper medication management and monitoring of side effects
