Can Alzheimer's disease be fatal?
Yes, Alzheimer's disease is a fatal condition and is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. Most people live four to eight years after diagnosis, though some may live up to 20 years.
Alzheimer's causes progressive brain damage that eventually affects not just memory and Show Full Answer
Can Alzheimer's disease be fatal?
Yes, Alzheimer's disease is a fatal condition and is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. Most people live four to eight years after diagnosis, though some may live up to 20 years.
Alzheimer's causes progressive brain damage that eventually affects not just memory and thinking, but also the brain's ability to control vital bodily functions like breathing, swallowing, and digestion. What complications lead to death?
Death typically results from complications rather than Alzheimer's itself. The most common causes include:
* Aspiration pneumonia - The leading cause of death, occurring when food or liquids are accidentally inhaled into the lungs
* Infections - Including urinary tract infections and sepsis, which the weakened immune system struggles to fight
* Malnutrition and dehydration - As people lose the ability to eat, chew, or swallow properly
* Falls - Which can cause serious injuries that older adults with Alzheimer's may not recover from
As the disease progresses to late stages, people become unable to move, communicate, or care for themselves, making them vulnerable to these life-threatening complications.
February 5
Join
Your Privacy Choices
