Caring for a loved one with dementia can be one of the most challenging experiences. As the disease progresses, it impacts cognitive abilities, alters personality, and affects the ability to recognize friends and family. This raises an important question for caregivers: Do dementia patients know they are dying?
Caregivers and family members need to understand the signs that indicate a dementia patient may be approaching the end of life. It may help them find the best communities offering facilities for senior living in California for their loved ones, providing the necessary support in their final days.
In this blog, we will explore these signs and symptoms, discuss the stages of dementia, and offer guidance on providing care during this delicate time.
What is Late-Stage Dementia?
Late-stage dementia, also known as advanced dementia, involves severe cognitive and physical decline. Patients struggle with simple daily tasks like bathing, dressing, eating, and using the restroom. They are often confined to bed and need full assistance.
In this stage, individuals may be unable to speak or respond appropriately. These changes can be very painful for family members to witness.
Predicting when a patient is nearing the end of life can be challenging. The course and prognosis of dementia vary widely, making it difficult to determine a specific timeline for each individual. Understanding these factors can help families prepare and seek the necessary support.
How Long Do Dementia Patients Live?
Dementia is a life-limiting disorder, but it is very difficult to tell how long someone with dementia will survive. Most patients with severe dementia observe a slow decline in their health over several months. The following symptoms, which are common at this stage, describe it:
- Increased frailty
- Frequent falls or infections
- Difficulty eating, drinking, or swallowing
- Reduced mobility
- Increased sleep and decreased communication
Pneumonia is one of the most prevalent causes of death in elderly patients who have dementia because their immunity is usually deficient. Hence, although patients may appear to be on the verge of dying, these symptoms can be present for months together.
The Timeline of End-Stage Dementia
Dementia progression differs from person to person; nonetheless, appreciation of some of the more common symptoms may assist caregivers in maximizing the best care practices. Below is a general outline of the signs that show the end stage of dementia:
Final Six Months
- Diagnosis of another life-limiting condition, such as cancer or heart failure
- An increase in hospital visits or admissions
Final Two-to-Three Months
- Limited speech, often six words or less per day
- Difficulty swallowing or choking on food and liquids
- Inability to walk or sit upright without assistance
- Incontinence
Final Days/Weeks
- Extremities may feel cold to the touch
- Inability to swallow
- Terminal agitation or restlessness
- It increases sleep or periods of unconsciousness
- Changes in breathing patterns, including shallow breaths or apnea
7 Signs that Death is Near in Dementia Patients
Caring for a dementia patient is a formidable task, especially when it comes to recognizing the signs and symptoms that indicate they are in the final phase of life. Understanding these signs ensures that the care provided is appropriate and compassionate. Here are key symptoms to be vigilant about:
Change in Behaviour
You may notice a decline in mental abilities due to brain disorientation. This could come with more sleep, confusion, anxiety, or anger. All these signs point out that the individual is beginning to be unresponsive and probably getting to their last days of life. Read this blog to manage sleep disturbances in Dementia patients.
They Stop Speaking
As the shift of dementia rate increases, a patient may lose the ability to verbalize or noticeably decrease in response. Due to the lack of communication, this patient’s deterioration is difficult for the caretakers and family members.
They Stop Eating or Drinking
Appetite loss, to the extent of not being able to eat anything or drink anything, is frequently seen in patients before death. Patients may go as far as turning down food and liquids, which can lead to faster deterioration.
Difficulty Breathing
Patients may exhibit irregular respiration towards the end of their lives. This may manifest as rapid shallow breathing, gasping for air, or periodic breath-holding.
Body Temperature Drops
There is a possibility that the patient’s skin, more so on the extremities, will be colder than usual. This usually indicates that the patient in question is on the verge of death.
Heart Rate Changes
As a person approaches death, whether in the final moments, hours, or minutes, the heart rate typically slows down. During this time, it is common to observe fluctuations in the pulse rate, which may either increase or decrease as the body prepares for death.
Moments of Clarity
Awkwardly enough, some dementia patients may experience moments of clarity in the days leading up to their death. During this time, they might recall memories or recognize family members, providing a brief reprieve before passing.
Caring for Dementia Patients in Their Final Days
As a family member caring for a loved one, it’s important to recognize that you don’t have to face this experience alone. Hospice care can provide valuable support not just for the patient but also for the entire family.
Benefits of Hospice Care
Instead of providing curative treatment, hospice services aim to promote comfort and support. Below are some of the areas in which hospice can be helpful:
- Physical Care: Nurses can intervene to relieve symptoms and titrate medications to ensure patient comfort.
- Psycho-Emotional Treatment: Social workers and counselors will offer guidance and emotional support to family members.
- Supporting Activities of Daily Living: Provide assistance such as bathing and grooming, which becomes more challenging for patients with dementia.
- Hospice Spirituality: Prayer and other spiritual support are standard features in hospice care management for patients who embrace this during difficult times.
Do People With Dementia Understand They Are Dying?
The question of whether dementia patients are aware they are dying is complex. Cognitive decline can impact their awareness and understanding of their situation. Some patients may experience brief moments of clarity, known as “terminal lucidity,” during which they might suddenly recognize family members or recall memories. However, these moments are typically short-lived and may not reflect a full comprehension of their impending death.
Wrapping Up
There’s no denying that taking care of someone with dementia, especially in the later stages of life, is quite distressing. It is often hard to assess if dementia patients are aware they are dying, but recognizing the signs and symptoms allows caregivers to provide better care. To book an appointment or ask about hospice admission criteria, kindly contact our staff members at Siskiyou Springs Senior Living Community.
Siskiyou Springs Senior Living Community is here for you throughout the process, assisting you and providing support with memory care in Yreka CA. Remember that you are not the only one who has experienced this. We shall take care of you and your family during this challenging period.
