Dementia is a serious brain condition that slowly gets worse over time. It affects millions of people around the world.
In the final stages, dementia can deeply change a person’s thinking, memory, body, and ability to do everyday tasks.
This stage can be very hard for both the person with dementia and their caregivers.
One of the most obvious signs of late-stage dementia is trouble speaking. People may have a hard time finding the right words or forming sentences. Some may repeat the same phrases again and again.
As the brain continues to be affected, many people stop speaking altogether. This happens because the parts of the brain that control language and speech are damaged.
Physical health also gets worse in the later stages. People often have trouble walking and may need a wheelchair.
Some may not be able to get out of bed at all. This can lead to other problems like bedsores, infections, or muscles becoming weaker. Physical therapy can sometimes help keep the body moving for longer, but it cannot stop the decline.
As memory and thinking get worse, people with late-stage dementia need help with almost everything. They may not be able to eat, dress, or use the toilet on their own. Many have trouble chewing or swallowing food, which can make eating dangerous. In these cases, soft or blended foods and help from caregivers are very important.
Changes in mood and behavior are also common. People may get angry, upset, or act in ways that seem strange. They might have trouble sleeping or experience things that aren’t real, like seeing or hearing things that aren’t there.
These symptoms can be caused by confusion, frustration, and damage in the brain. Caregivers need patience and understanding to help manage these behaviors.
People with late-stage dementia are more likely to get infections. They often get pneumonia or bladder infections. Since they can’t move much and may have trouble swallowing, food or drink can go into the lungs by mistake, leading to lung infections. Regular care and doctor visits can help catch and treat these problems early.
The body also begins to react differently in the final stages. Reflexes can become strange. Some people may suck on things like a baby or grip things tightly without meaning to. They may have trouble staying warm or even have seizures, although seizures are not very common.
As the end of life gets closer, families and caregivers face many hard decisions. Palliative care becomes important. This kind of care focuses on keeping the person comfortable, easing pain, and giving support to family members. It’s a good idea to talk about these plans early, so everyone knows what kind of care is wanted.
Knowing the signs of late-stage dementia can help families prepare. While this time is difficult, love, kindness, and support can bring comfort and peace to the person living with dementia. Everyone’s experience is different, so it’s important to work closely with doctors and care teams to make the best choices for care.
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