Fact 3. Severity of Symptoms and Life Expectancy
The severity of dementia symptoms plays a significant role in determining the life expectancy of an individual. Dementia’s progression can be generally segmented into three stages: mild (early stage), moderate (middle stage), and severe (late stage). Each stage carries its unique set of challenges and impacts on life expectancy.
Mild dementia, often the stage at which diagnosis occurs, is characterized by forgetfulness, mood changes, and minor difficulty with complex tasks. At this stage, individuals can often live independently, and with proper management, can have a relatively normal life expectancy. However, without appropriate intervention, the disease will progress, leading to the moderate stage.
In moderate dementia, individuals begin to need assistance with daily activities. Cognitive abilities continue to deteriorate, impacting memory, language, and motor skills. The life expectancy in this stage can vary but typically reduces due to the disease’s increasing severity and potential for complications, such as falls or infections.
Severe dementia is the final and most debilitating stage. Here, individuals require constant care and supervision. The life expectancy in severe dementia is significantly impacted, often due to the physical complications associated with advanced dementia, such as difficulties with swallowing, mobility, and increased susceptibility to infections. (3)
