10 Signs Death Is Near for Dementia Patients
How dementia progresses
Dementia progresses in stages, with different grading systems used to assess its severity, shares Dr. Koncilja. One common method categorizes dementia into three levels: mild, moderate, and severe. Another widely used tool, the Functional Assessment Staging Test (FAST), specifically tracks the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, rating individuals on a scale from one to seven based on their functional abilities.
In the mild stage, individuals may struggle with managing medications, finances, or driving but can still handle most daily tasks independently. As dementia advances to the moderate stage, higher-level activities, such as cooking, shopping, and housekeeping, become difficult. However, individuals at this stage can usually feed themselves, maintain continence, and dress appropriately.
Severe dementia, also known as the advanced or late stage, affects even the most basic activities. Tasks like eating, moving from one position to another, and maintaining personal hygiene often require assistance.
10 signs death is near for dementia patients
For families and caregivers, recognizing the final stages of dementia can be difficult, but understanding the signs can help ensure comfort and dignity in a loved one’s last days. Dr. Koncilja highlights these key indicators that may suggest the end of life is near:
- A noticeable shift in behavior: A once restless or agitated person may become unexpectedly calm.
- Loss of appetite: A decreased desire to eat or drink can lead to significant weight loss and dehydration.
- Difficulty swallowing: The ability to chew or swallow may deteriorate, increasing the risk of choking.
- Reduced interest in food: Even once-favorite meals may no longer appeal, further contributing to nutritional decline.
- Profound fatigue: The patient may sleep much more than usual and appear increasingly detached from their surroundings.
- Muscle weakness: Everyday movements, such as holding a spoon or sitting upright, may become difficult or impossible.
- Communication struggles: Verbal abilities may diminish, leading to long pauses in speech or an inability to articulate thoughts.
- Increased confusion or disorientation: Familiar faces and places may become unrecognizable, heightening distress for both the patient and their loved ones.
- Changes in breathing: Breathing patterns may become irregular, shallow, or labored, indicating the body is slowing down.
- Loss of mobility: As strength wanes, the patient may become bedridden, relying entirely on caregivers for movement and support.
