Late Dementia Symptoms Families Should Expect
Dementia progresses over time, and in its late stages, it brings major changes that affect daily life. Families often see these signs in stages 6 and 7, when full-time care is needed. People in late dementia may not recognize loved ones or recall their own past. They struggle with basic tasks like eating, walking, or using the bathroom on their own.[1]
One common sign is memory loss that goes very deep. Your loved one might forget who you are, even if you visit every day. They lose track of their life story, like names of children or old homes. This makes talking hard, as they may not speak much or at all. Simple words escape them, and they might stay quiet or repeat the same sounds.[1][6]
Physical problems grow too. Incontinence happens often, with trouble controlling urine or bowels. Swallowing gets difficult, leading to choking risks or weight loss from not eating enough. They eat and drink less, sometimes refusing food altogether. Walking becomes impossible without help, and they may stay in bed most of the time.[1][2][4][6]
Infections like pneumonia show up more. Shallow breathing, fever, or coughing can signal this, as food slips into the lungs during weak swallows. The body weakens overall, with more sleep, less energy, and skin issues from being still. Pain or discomfort lingers, even if they cannot say it.[2][4]
Care shifts to comfort in these stages. Families help by offering soft foods, keeping them upright for meals, and watching for distress. Palliative care focuses on calm and dignity at home or in care.[2][1]
Sources
https://www.wellmedhealthcare.com/patients/healthyliving/conditions-diseases/what-are-the-stages-of-dementia/
https://myhometouch.com/articles/how-does-a-person-die-from-dementia
https://inglesideonline.org/blog/understanding-senior-dementia-essential-insights-for-caregivers-and-families/
https://www.eldac.com.au/Our-Toolkits/Dementia/Clinical-Care/Recognise-End-of-Life
https://www.comforcare.com/new-braunfels/resources/blog/your-guide-to-caregiving-for-dementia-alzheimers-in-new-braunfels/
https://vocal.media/families/painful-but-important-signs-death-is-near-in-dementia-s-last-stage
https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/worried-about-memory-problems/do-i-have-dementia-signs
