Caring for a loved one with late-stage dementia is an emotional journey filled with challenges. Understanding the signs that dementia patients are nearing the end of life can help you provide the best care and support during this difficult time.
Recognizing these early indicators allows you to prepare emotionally and practically while ensuring your loved one’s comfort and dignity. Though it’s heart-wrenching to witness someone you care about decline, being informed can empower you to make compassionate decisions and cherish the moments that remain.
What is Dementia & Its Types?
Dementia is a syndrome that affects thinking, memory, and behavior. It can disrupt a sufferer’s professional and personal life.
Well, while talking about dementia types, you should know that it’s an umbrella term. It is mainly used to explain various conditions that affect the brain. But, before getting into 10 signs death is near dementia, let’s check out the most common forms of dementia.
Alzheimer’s Disease
The most common and well-known cause of dementia, this disease initially impacts memory. Over time, it disrupts essential functions and ultimately becomes fatal.
Vascular Dementia
This type of dementia is caused by damage to the blood vessels that supply the brain. Symptoms can vary depending on which part of the brain is affected, but it often leads to difficulties with memory and basic functions. As the condition advances, these symptoms typically worsen.
Lewy body dementia (LBD)
This type of dementia leads to harmful deposits in the brain. Initially, its symptoms resemble those of other brain diseases and may involve changes in behavior. As it advances, it impairs essential functions and ultimately becomes fatal. Hallucinations are a common symptom.
Frontotemporal dementia
This form of dementia typically impacts behavior and mood first, with memory loss occurring at a later stage.
What Are 10 Signs Death is Near in People with Dementia?
Recognizing the signs of progression from early to late stages of Alzheimer’s and dementia is vital for caregivers. These dementia signs death is near will help you prepare for care and what’s ahead. Here are ten key physical, behavioral, and emotional changes to look for:
- Have more infections.
- Experience more medical complications.
- Move less or need help to move.
- Become very frail.
- Fall more often.
- Have trouble swallowing.
- Struggle with eating and drinking.
- Be unable to speak.
- Show limited facial expressions.
- Sleep more
Timeline for End-stage Dementia in the Elderly
Due to the disease progression, it’s tough to recognize when dementia sufferers are near the end of their lives. However, you should understand what signs are most common at the different time phases. It can help you understand that the patients are getting the right care as per the dying stages of dementia.
Last Six Months
- Diagnosis of an additional condition such as cancer, heart failure, or COPD.
- Increased frequency of hospital visits or admissions.
Last Two to Three Months
- Speech reduced to six or fewer words daily.
- Difficulty swallowing or choking on food or liquids.
- Inability to walk or sit upright without help.
- Loss of bladder and bowel control.
Last Days/Weeks
- Extremities (hands, feet, arms, legs) become cold to the touch.
- Complete inability to swallow.
- Episodes of agitation or restlessness.
- Extended periods of sleep or unconsciousness.
- Breathing changes, including shallow breaths or pauses lasting several seconds to a minute.
Care Tips for Your Loved Ones in the Final Stage of Dementia
It can be heartbreaking to watch a loved one go through the final stage of dementia. So, if your loved one has 10 signs death is near dementia, then here are some ways to manage the changes that occur during this time:
Assist with movement
You should help your loved one move around. They may face difficulty with mobility. You can even try to use assistive devices like walkers or wheelchairs if needed.
Encourage good nutrition
The most important thing is to make sure that they are eating well. Offer them soft or easy-to-swallow foods. If they have difficulty eating, offer smaller, more frequent meals, and consider high-calorie, nutrient-dense options.
Address skin concerns
Keep the patient’s skin clean and moisturized to prevent sores or infections, especially when managing advanced stages of dementia and understanding how do people with dementia die. Regularly check for signs of pressure sores, particularly in areas like the back, heels, and buttocks.
Manage swallowing problems
Be mindful of any swallowing issues and provide appropriate foods and liquids to prevent choking. Offer soft, pureed foods or thickened liquids to make swallowing easier for the patients. If swallowing problems arise, the healthcare provider will provide further recommendations, including speech therapy or diet adjustments.
Conclusion
Overall, caring for a loved one with late-stage dementia requires compassion and preparation. With a clear understanding of the 10 signs death is near dementia, you can provide comfort, dignity, and support during their final days. In addition, prioritize their physical and emotional needs while cherishing meaningful moments together. Undoubtedly, the journey is challenging, but it enables you to honor their life and make sure your loved ones are cared for with love and respect.