When somebody you love starts to show signs of Alzheimer’s, one of the scariest thoughts that can come to your mind is “will this kill them?” This takes one sleep and peace away. The question is not simple, but knowing helps you to be proactive and less anxious.

In most situations, dementia does not cause mortality directly, like in the case of a heart attack. It alters the brain’s function very slowly, over the years.

How does dementia cause death?

This is a difficult situation to go through, but the right information will help families prepare. Not many people with dementia experience death from the disease itself. They usually die of the many other health problems that come along because of the disease.

Among other factors, infections are the most common causes of death in many cases, for example, pneumonia and urinary tract infections. As the body’s immune system weakens, it becomes increasingly difficult to combat these diseases. Blood clots are a prevalent occurrence when people remain immobilized for longer periods in beds or chairs.

Another very common reason is swallowing problems. When the brain becomes dysfunctional, it fails to give the body proper instructions, to the point that the body cannot swallow properly. Consequently, the person can either choke or food can enter the lungs.

Common health complications in late-stage dementia:

  • Respiratory infections and pneumonia
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Improper blood circulation due to inactivity
  • Deficiency of nutrients and fluids
  • Falls and injuries

Some factors that can make dementia worse faster

Some factors could speed up the progression of dementia, such as:

Delirium:

This refers to sudden confusion that comes and goes intermittently. It can be triggered by infections, medications, or even little things like not drinking enough water. People with dementia are more prone to getting delirium, and this can make the situation more difficult.

Sudden changes:

A regular schedule is the foundation on which people with dementia feel well. Changing the place where they live or their caregivers can also lead to stress that might make things worse.

Other health problems:

Diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart conditions, like those that frequently occur in aging, can make dementia faster. Dealing with these other health issues is also greatly significant.

Progression of dementia

It is important to note that dementia gradually manifests itself differently in different people. One may start the process with memory problems only, whereas another might endure difficulty naming and reasoning.

There are seven stages of dementia. The person with dementia may go through these stages either more promptly or more slowly than others.

Early phase (Stages 1-3):

When the disease is in its very early stages (1-3 stages), people often have the freedom to manage themselves. They might be unable to recall names or objects and get them in a different position, but they are coping well with it. Most of them continue with their workplaces and lives as they were before the disease.

Middle phase (Stages 4-5):

During the middle stages (4-5), cognition begins to slow and worsen. People may be helped with complex tasks and, as a result, start feeling shy on social occasions. This is frequently the time when families consult a specialist for the first time.

Later years (Stages 6-7):

As the disease progresses (stages 6-7), the most significant concerns arise. A person now becomes dependent on someone else to cover their basic needs, such as getting dressed, eating, and bathing. They also often lose the ability to communicate and might not remember their family members.

The duration of stage 6 can range from 4 to 8 years. Stage 7, as a rule, lasts 1 to 2 years. Even in these stages, they can have some moments of connection.

Signs of dementia in later years

It is difficult to talk about these things, but learning these signs can help you make your loved one as comfortable as possible:

  • They have very little appetite and thus eat minimally
  • They sleep all the time
  • They breathe irregularly
  • They cough when they can not swallow liquids

The importance of treatment and care

Regardless of the type of dementia, irreversible dementia cannot be cured, but treatments are available that can help to manage the symptoms. Thus, quality of life can be prolonged, and disease progression slowed. The treatment involves several steps, including:

  • Managing symptoms
  • Maintaining function
  • Supporting the patients and their families in that process

Rare cases of the disease, such as those caused by a vitamin deficiency, medication reactions, or hyperthyroidism, actually have the option of progressive cure through a combination of physical treatments. That is the main reason for the thorough evaluation of the patient.

In cases of progressive types like Alzheimer’s disease, the medications can speed up the cognitive processing of the condition. Also, medication helps manage behavioral symptoms.

Some ways that can help a person with dementia are:

  • Regular exercise, even low-impact exercises of just a few minutes
  • Eating healthy foods
  • Maintaining your connection with friends and family
  • Making sure you have a schedule that you follow every day
  • Getting enough sleep
  • The prescribed medicines a person with dementia should take on time

The importance of professional mental health support

The influence of dementia on the mental wellness of the entire family is huge. The person with dementia, as well as caregivers to them, are the ones who are usually feeling depressed, anxious, or overwhelmed.

Also, many families are in a dilemma about taking their loved ones or parents with mental health problems to a psychiatric care clinic. The person with dementia is often afraid of new places or of talking to strangers and is unwilling to go to new places. They might stay at home, avoid going outside, or get upset in unfamiliar places.

That’s where online psychiatrists come to play: imagine how great it is to get professional help without leaving your home. The person with dementia is in a safe, familiar location. No stressful commutes and no anxiety in a waiting room. At GABA Telepsychiatry, their psychiatrist offer 24/4 psychiatric care service, even on the same day, on weekends, and during emergencies.

Benefits of online psychiatric care for dementia families:

  • No travel required, reducing stress for patients
  • The familiarity of your place of residence enables the patient to feel more comfortable
  • Easier for caregivers to join in the consultancy visits
  • More frequent consultations become possible
  • Consistency in care, even during times of bad weather or when shifting to another city

Even when dementia is untreatable, there are still many ways to slow it down and improve the quality of life. Medication is available that improves memory and increases a person’s ability to engage in cognitive processes. Other medications are used to alleviate sleep issues, anxiety, or aggression that could infrequently come with dementia.

The first and most important factor in the process is the correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment. A skilled psychiatrist or neuropsychiatrist can establish the kind of dementia a person has and the treatments that will work best for him.