Severe Dementia

The slow and unpredictable progression of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias often makes it tricky for families and even doctors to determine when to bring in hospice. Use these guidelines to decide if a loved one is a candidate for end-of-life care.

Differing opinions exist as to whether people are aware of people and their surroundings during the last stages of Alzheimer's disease. As abilities and communication decline, loved ones are left to wonder if their care efforts are worthwhile.

Alzheimer's patients sometimes "forget" how to do automatic actions such as chewing, swallowing or eating as somewhat automatic actions become uncoordinated and ineffective.

Alzheimer's disease is not natural aging. It is a progressive disease that causes the abnormal death of brain cells. The initial symptoms include memory loss, but as the disease progresses, it is important to be prepared for increasing levels of care.

The only certainty when diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease is that a senior’s condition will progressively worsen. The national Alzheimer’s Association has developed a very useful staging system to use as a frame of reference when coping with AD.

Does my mom have dementia? Alzheimer's is a form of dementia and accounts for 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases. Learn the most common symptoms of Alzheimer's, an overview of stages, and the impact of dementia on the ability to function.

End-stage dementia is characterized by a rapid loss of speech and mobility as well as systemic infections as the body begins to shut down completely.

It's a scary time when your loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer's. You know dementia will eventually rob your loved one's memories and then his or her life, leaving you to wonder, "How long does it take to die from Alzheimer's?"