Most people with Alzheimer's die within four to six years of diagnosis; yet, the length of the disease varies between three to 20 years. The Alzheimer's Association reports the late stages of Alzheimer's continue from several weeks to several years---each person reacts to the disease process differently. Quality of life and dignity are the focus of care. During the end stages of the brain disease a patient completely relies on caregivers for all needs including feeding, toileting and even changing positions in bed. The last three stages of the disease range from severe cognitive decline to the end-of-life progression.
Late Stage Alzheimer's
A person has major gaps in memory and extensive assistance is required for activities of daily living, suggests the Alzheimer's Association. A person asks repetitive questions or is unable to follow a conversation. A person is often able to toilet themselves with assistance, though prompts and reminders are necessary and periods of incontinence of bowel and bladder occur on a more regular basis. A person may have mobility issues including tremors and rigidity---these issues cause falls and bone fractures to occur. Changes in personality and behavior are more frequent, including increased anxiety, delusions and hallucinations.
Severe Late Stage Alzheimer's
The late stages of the disease last between one and three years. A person is confused with the past and present and no longer recognizes family members or even themselves when looking in the mirror. A person is totally bed bound and completely dependent on others for all care. Issues with chewing and swallowing arise; most victims must be fed or use special assistive devices when eating. Pneumonia, urinary tract infections and falls are common complications, according to the Mayo Clinic---which are often the reason for death in Alzheimer's victims. Muscles become rigid and contract and most people lose the ability to smile. The ability to communicate is severely limited. A person may no longer be able to speak and regress back to childhood and make grunting or infant-like sounds.
End-of-Life Stage
Comfort and relief are the primary focus during the end of life stages, when body systems begin shutting down. Understanding the dying process isn't easy, but knowing what to expect during a loved one's final days may make the process easier, suggests the Mayo Clinic. Because Alzheimer's grieving is a slow process due to the disease stretched over several years, many loved ones are able to better cope with the idea of a loved one dying, according to Helpguide.com. The dying process lasts from several days to several weeks. Assuring a loved one it is OK to die helps both the patient and caregiver. Patient may stop drinking and eating, and comfort measures are often put into place. Patients may die in tranquility or fight the dying process. Surrounding a loved one with music, photos and reading out loud creates an atmosphere of calmness.
References
- Help Guide: Late Stage and End-of-life Alzheimer's Care: Care giving in the Final Stages of Alzheimer's disease
- Alzheimer's Association: Late Stage Care
- Alzheimer Society: Alzheimer Care: Late Stage and End of Life
- Help Guide: Alzheimer's Disease: Signs, Symptoms, and Stages of Alzheimer's Disease
- Memory Study: The 7 Stages of Alzheimer's Disease
