How do patients with dementia die

This increases the risk of urine infections which can cause delirium, increased confusion and falls. They can be deadly, especially in the frail elderly. The muscles become stiff and your loved one will need help to move and manage all aspects of daily living.

This can increase the risk of pressure sores and ulcers, which can become infected, putting the individual in danger. The brain damage leads to the failure of body systems including the lungs, heart and digestion.

Towards the end, people often need around-the-clock care to stay comfortable. If a loved one has been diagnosed with dementia, this blog may seem upsetting, even overwhelming. But there can still be joy. With the right support and care in place you can help your loved one live well with dementia and to die with dignity.

Find out more about our specialist dementia care. Finding the right person is essential and challenging. You'll need to consider their training, references,…. Being touched or massaged can be soothing. Listening to music, white noise, or sounds from nature seem to relax some people and lessen their agitation. End-of-life care decisions are more complicated for caregivers if the dying person has not expressed the kind of care he or she would prefer.

Quality of life is an important issue when making healthcare decisions for people with dementia. For example, medicines are available that may delay or keep symptoms from becoming worse for a little while. If the drug has serious side effects, they may be even more likely to decide against it.

When making care decisions for someone else near the end of life, consider the goals of care and weigh the benefits, risks, and side effects of the treatment. This means that caregivers and family members may be faced with very difficult decisions about how treatments that maintain physical health, such as installing a pacemaker, fit within the care goals. When someone you are close to dies, it is very likely to be difficult. You may need support and time to work through what has happened.

Some people might find it difficult to explain that they have been bereaved, or may not know how to get help. Speak to your GP to find out what local support services there might be in your area, or please call the Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline on You may also find our leaflet on bereavement helpful. Dementia UK bereavement leaflet: www.

Understanding dying Print copy below Understanding the changes that happen when someone is reaching the last days of their life The content below is reflective of our leaflet.

The last days of life Dying is an individual and unique experience: everyone will experience it in their way and have their own needs. Reduced need for food and drink Someone in hospital or a care home will be supported to eat and drink for as long as they are able; however, when someone starts to die, their body no longer has the same need for food and drink as before. Ways to help: Mouth care will give the person comfort if their mouth is dry.

Syringe drivers When people need to have injections frequently a syringe driver may be set up. Practical issues If you are told your relative or friend is dying and may be approaching their death, it can be helpful to anticipate some of the questions you might like to ask those supporting you.

If you think the person is in pain there are things you can do that may help. For more information, see pain management at the end of life , including how to assess pain in people who are non-communicative. The person may have lost their appetite or have difficulties swallowing safely. In the last days, the person may stop eating or drinking. This can be very distressing to watch, but it is normal for people approaching the end of life.

You should offer the person food and drink for as long as it is safe and they show an interest. You should find out if the person has an advance care plan. It may include an advance statement or an advance decision. We have information on planning ahead for patients and their families, which you might find useful. You can make use of any advance care plans or documents, friends and family input and your knowledge of the person.

The person might enjoy things that stimulate their senses, such as familiar music or aromas such as lavender and hand massages. Some people may specify where they want to die in an advance statement or through conversations with family and friends or in their advance care plan.

Keep any family or friends informed about what is happening in a gentle, sensitive and supportive way. This will help reassure them that the person is getting the care they need. It can also help to give them an opportunity to talk about what is happening.

Supporting people with dementia at the end of their life requires a team approach. Good communication and information sharing helps to ensure the person receives the care they need.

There may be certain professionals who can advise on specific issues. These may include a GP, district nurses, social workers, other care staff and specialists. Rules of thumb for end of life care for people with dementia. UCL covid decision aid - a tool to s upport carers of people living with dementia to make difficult decisions during covid Alzheimer Scotland — specialist services for patients and carers.

Dementia UK — expert one-on-one advice and support to families living with dementia via Admiral Nurses. We'll use the results of this survey to understand how our information helps people and how we can improve it. See our full privacy policy. We may also use your comments anonymously for marketing purposes. We won't be able to respond to your comments. If you want to speak to someone or have any questions, please contact our Support Line.

This information is not intended to replace any training, national or local guidelines, or advice from other health or social care professionals. The Palliative Care Knowledge Zone is not intended for use by people living with a terminal illness or their family and friends, who should access our information for the public. Published date: 26 August Review date: 1 April Caring for someone with dementia towards the end of life Please be aware - this information is for healthcare professionals.

On this page:. Useful resources Key points. What are the main types of dementia? They will often have problems with some of the following: Day-to-day memory — difficulty recalling events that happened recently. Repetition — repeating the same question or conversation frequently in a short space of time. Concentrating, planning or organising — difficulties making decisions, solving problems or carrying out a sequence of tasks eg cooking a meal.