Fact 10. Advanced Dementia and Life Expectancy: A Closer Look at the Terminal Phase
Viewing dementia as a terminal illness can be a harsh reality to accept, yet it is an essential part of understanding life expectancy. In advanced dementia, the disease’s effects extend beyond cognitive impairment, affecting physical health to a point where it becomes life-limiting.
In the advanced stages of dementia, patients often have difficulty walking, eating, and communicating. There is an increased susceptibility to infections, with pneumonia being a common cause of death. The physical decline is paired with significant cognitive decline, where patients may not recognize loved ones or understand language.
As difficult as it is, it’s crucial to remember that while dementia may limit life, it doesn’t define it. Quality end-of-life care can ensure that individuals with advanced dementia are comfortable, dignified, and free from pain. This underscores the importance of a comprehensive, empathetic, and patient-centered care approach, extending beyond the objective of prolonging life to enhancing the quality of the life remaining. (10)
