Connect with others who understand.

  •   Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  •   Real advice from people who’ve been there
  •   People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
All Resources Treatments A-Z Personal Assistant Help Center Crisis
Powered By
Real members of myALZteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Life expectancy from diagnosis

A myALZteam Subscriber asked a question 💭
April 3
 · 
Be the first to react
How Can Alzheimer’s or Dementia Lead to Death? Read Article...
A myALZteam Member

Thank you for the stats! I hope I can still keep it going a little longer.

April 23
A myALZteam Member

My grandmother lived 12 years post dx and clearly showed dementia signs 2-3 years prior to dx.

Grandfather lived 4 or 5 years.

Aunt lived only 3 years.

Mother still going, in year 11.

Husband still going, year 8.

Cousin, still going, year 3.

April 5
myALZteam

How long can someone live after an Alzheimer's diagnosis?

The average life expectancy after an Alzheimer's diagnosis is about 4 to 8 years for people aged 65 or older. However, this varies widely from person to person. Some people may live as long as 20 years or more with the disease.

Several factors influence how long Show Full Answer

How long can someone live after an Alzheimer's diagnosis?

The average life expectancy after an Alzheimer's diagnosis is about 4 to 8 years for people aged 65 or older. However, this varies widely from person to person. Some people may live as long as 20 years or more with the disease.

Several factors influence how long someone lives with Alzheimer's:

Age at diagnosis plays a major role. People diagnosed in their 60s may live for a decade or more, while those diagnosed in their 70s typically live about 7 years after diagnosis. People diagnosed in their 90s have an average survival of about 2.8 years.

Gender also matters. Women with Alzheimer's tend to live about 1.5 years longer than men, though researchers are still investigating why.

Genetics can affect progression. The APOE4 gene may lead to earlier symptoms and faster progression, though having this gene doesn't guarantee someone will develop Alzheimer's.

Overall health is important too. Other conditions like diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke can increase the risk of complications and affect life expectancy.

Access to care and socioeconomic factors also play a role. People with access to regular medical care, healthy food, and social support often do better.

Remember, these are averages and can't predict what will happen for any individual person. With the right support, people living with Alzheimer's can still have moments of joy, love, and connection.

April 3

Related Questions

View All

Is there a average life expectancy for the stages?

A myALZteam Member asked a question 💭
Rogers, MN
May 4

Continue with Facebook
Continue with Google
By joining, you accept our Terms of Use, and acknowledge our collection, sharing, and use of your data in accordance with our Health Data and Privacy policies.
Already a member? Log In