7 Stages of Dementia Before Death: Causes and Signs

By Your Health Magazine

Is your loved one diagnosed with dementia? It might be a tough journey to navigate the life ahead of them. Filled with plenty of ups and downs, the families of the patient need to set realistic expectations and start preparing for the change in the future. Dementia is a life-limiting illness and is progressive in nature. As the disease progresses, a patient’s abilities and needs also change.

Having proper information of what to accept in each of the stage of dementia before the death families can make adjustments accordingly. Through this blog we will help you find all the important information that you have been looking for helping your loved one get through this.

What are the 7 Stages of Dementia Before Death?

For identifying the 7 stages of dementia before death healthcare providers use tools like FAST Scale and Global Deterioration Scale (GDS) to identify the progression of the disease. While GDS is not a diagnostic tool, still it helps in creating a clearer picture of the spectrum at which the dementia patient falls. Here is a brief overview of how the dementia progresses at each stage:

Stage 1:

At this there is no sign or symptom of dementia. An individual is mentally healthy and function normally. However, the brain neurons start dying and their connections lose which may decline the function and structure of their brain.

Stage 2:

This stage involves occasional forgetfulness, such as misplacing objects or forgetting names. These memory lapses are often dismissed as normal aging, as they do not interfere with daily life. Symptoms may go unnoticed by others.

Stage 3:

Noticeable cognitive changes begin in this stage. Individuals may have trouble remembering recent events, organizing tasks, or finding the right words during conversations. Close friends and family might start to observe these subtle signs of dementia.

Stage 4:

Memory and thinking problems become more pronounced. Individuals may struggle to manage finances, plan meals, or follow complex instructions. Social withdrawal is common as frustration and embarrassment about their limitations grow.

Stage 5:

At this stage, significant memory loss occurs, such as forgetting personal details like their phone number or address. Assistance with daily tasks, like dressing and bathing, becomes necessary. Confusion about time or location is also common.

Stage 6:

Individuals require help with most activities of daily living. They may experience difficulty recognizing familiar faces, including close family members. Behavioral changes, such as agitation or anxiety, often arise, and physical abilities begin to decline.

Stage 7:

This end stage is marked by a complete loss of independence. Individuals lose the ability to speak, walk, or eat without assistance. Full-time care is required, and the focus of care shifts to ensuring comfort as physical and cognitive functions deteriorate completely.

What are the Causes of Death with Dementia?

Dementia itself is not usually the direct cause of death, but it significantly contributes to health decline. Common causes of death with dementia include aspiration pneumonia, caused by difficulty swallowing, and cardiovascular diseases like heart failure or stroke. Additionally, complications such as dehydration, malnutrition, and immobility-related issues like blood clots or pressure sores can lead to death.

The progression of dementia, combined with other health conditions, increases the risk of these complications. Careful management and support can help reduce these risks and improve the quality of life for individuals with dementia.

Signs of Death in Elderly Person Suffering from Dementia

Having proper knowledge of a person who is nearing death can help caregivers and healthcare professionals take care of the elderly in a better way. It may be a difficult time, but acknowledging the signs of death in elderly person can help you in making the last days of the sufferer better:

Late Stage Dementia:

Here are a few symptoms that suggest that a person suffering from dementia is about to reach the final stages of their condition.

Severe memory loss, including the inability to recognize loved ones.
Loss of verbal communication, with minimal or no speech.
Difficulty eating or swallowing (dysphagia).
Incontinence of bladder and bowel.
Loss of motor skills, such as walking or sitting upright.
Increased vulnerability to infections, such as pneumonia.
Complete dependence on caregivers for daily activities.

If a person is going through all the above issues, there are chances that they may be nearing the end. Other problems like a frail look and bedsores are also potential signs of a person suffering from late-stage dementia.

Dying Stage:

When someone is nearing death, the condition keeps on worsening, and within a few days, changes start to progress rapidly within the 7 stages of dementia before death:

Decreased Appetite and Thirst
Increased Fatigue
Breathing Changes
Physical Weakness
Cold Extremities

Conclusion

Dementia is a complex disease, and it is not easy to figure out when the patient has progressed from the 1st stage to the 7th. While navigating 7 stages of dementia before death, families and their loved ones may feel overwhelmed. However, by having proper knowledge of the changes, caregivers may be able to navigate the patient’s last days with the utmost care.