Alzheimer's disease is a degenerative brain disorder affecting judgment, critical thinking and decision making skills. Nearly 5.3 million Americans currently suffer from the disease and the numbers are expected to rise as the baby boomer generation ages. There is no cure for the condition and death results within seven to 10 years of diagnosis, though the time frame varies. Alzheimer's disease is not generally the specific cause of death--a variety of complications and secondary conditions occur causing health to rapidly decline in the late stages of the disease.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is the cause of death in a large portion of Alzheimer's patients, reports a 2001 study by the Department of Geriatric and Respiratory Medicine at the Tohoku University School of Medicine. Difficulty swallowing, chewing food, the loss of a reflex as well as the loss of consciousness causes some people to inhale food or liquid into their lungs. Treatment includes antibiotics as well as other medicine to help relieve the symptoms associated with the condition. Pneumonia often occurs in the late stages of Alzheimer's and patients are often unable to verbally communicate discomfort or pain. Researchers from Mount Sinai School of Medicine suggest pneumonia be diagnosed as a terminal illness in the late stage of Alzheimer's, with increased focus on palliative care instead of aggressive treatment options.
Urinary Tract Infections
Incontinence is a common symptom of middle and end stage Alzheimer's disease. When a person has total loss of bladder function, a urinary catheter is sometimes used. The catheter can introduce bacteria into the body causing urinary tract infections (UTI). Patients with Alzheimer's are also not able to toilet themselves as frequently or with the proper use of hygiene, which results in a UTI forming.
Symptoms of a UTI include dark amber colored urine, strong odor from the urine, sediment in the urine and decreased urination. Alzheimer's patients are unable to communicate pain or discomfort commonly associated with a UTI. Signs an Alzheimer's patient has a UTI include confusion, lethargy and restlessness according to Dr. Monika Karlekar of Vanderbilt University.
Falls and Bone Fractures
A person with Alzheimer's becomes confused and often suffers from immobility issues. Often a cane or walker is required, yet many patients forget to use the assistive devices. Falls result in bone fractures and the body may not be able to recover from some falls so death can occur. A study released by Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City states that 50 percent of end stage Alzheimer's victims who suffer from a fractured hip die within six months. Falls may cause severe head injuries and cause brain bleeding, suggests the Mayo Clinic.
