Alzheimer’s diseaseis considered a fatal condition.
Between 1999 and 2014, deaths attributed to Alzheimer’s rose by 55%.
This article discusses the causes of death in Alzheimer’s disease.
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How Alzheimer’s Causes Death
People withlate-stageAlzheimer’s disease may be confused anddisoriented.
Some may become agitated and restless, while others may experience withdrawal and apathy.
Problems with mobility and other body functions make people with late-stage Alzheimer’s at high risk for fatal complications.
Their ability to control theirbowel and bladderalso declines.
Swallowing Problems
People with late-stage disease may also have a decreased appetite and difficulty swallowing.
This can cause poor nutrition and a high risk of aspiration, when food goes down the windpipe.
Aspiration pneumonia is the most common immediate cause of death in people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Mobility Related Problems
People with late-stage Alzheimer’s disease may be bedbound and unable to move around.
This leaves them more vulnerable to developing complications like systemicinfections,pressure sores, and blood clots.
Mobility problems can also contribute to serious falls, which can lead to infection other life-threatening problems.
Sometimes, the conditions that develop from Alzheimer’s are listed instead as primary on the death certificate.
In other cases, Alzheimer’s may have never been officially diagnosed.
Summary
Alzheimer’s disease is eventually fatal, although some people may live for longer than others.
Most people with Alzheimer’s die from a complication such as pneumonia or sepsis.
These complications are brought on by Alzheimer’s-related problems like the inability to swallow or lack of mobility.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.US death rates from Alzheimers disease increased 55 percent from 1999 to 2014.
Alzheimer’s Association.Stages of Alzheimer’s.
National Institute on Aging.What are the signs of Alzheimer’s disease?.
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