Dementia is more than just memory loss; it is a progressive condition that causes severe cognitive decline, affecting all aspects of a person’s life. Did you know that dementia is one of the leading causes of death globally?
You might be wondering why is dementia causing death in 2024. As dementia progresses, the brain’s ability to control critical functions deteriorate. In this article, we will look at the complications of dementia and explain the underlying causes that lead to death. Let us get into this important topic and explain why dementia is such a serious condition.
How Many People Die From Dementia?
Based on the most recent research, nearly 6.2 million Americans over 65 suffer from dementia.
This disease caused 121,499 deaths in 2019, making it the leading cause of death among Americans over the age of 65.
What is Dementia? An Overview of the Condition:
Dementia is a term used to describe a variety of symptoms associated with cognitive decline, including memory, reasoning, and language skills. It is a neurodegenerative disease, which means it worsens over time and impairs various brain functions.
Definition of Dementia in simple words: Dementia is not a single disease but rather a collection of symptoms that have a significant impact on memory, thinking, and social abilities.
Types of Dementia:
The most common type of dementia is:
- Alzheimer’s disease,
- vascular dementia
- Lewy body dementia
- frontotemporal dementia
Each type affects the brain in different ways.
Dementia progresses from mild cognitive impairments, such as forgetting names or appointments, to severe impairments, such as loss of ability to perform daily activities.
The Stages of Dementia: From Early Symptoms to Fatal Outcomes
Dementia is typically divided into three stages: early, middle, and late. As the disease progresses, the patient’s ability to live independently declines. Each stage presents its own set of challenges.
Early-Stage Dementia:
A person at this stage may experience minor memory lapses but can still function independently. Common symptoms include forgetting names and places, as well as difficulty finding words.
In short words, Early-Stage Dementia means mild memory lapses and confusion.
Middle-Stage Dementia:
Cognitive decline worsens during this stage, and the person may have difficulty performing daily tasks such as dressing or cooking. There could also be mood swings, confusion about time or place, and difficulty remembering loved ones.
In short words, Middle-Stage Dementia means increased difficulty with daily tasks and communication.
Late-Stage Dementia:
This stage is characterised by significant cognitive and physical decline. Patients may lose the ability to communicate, swallow, and move. Late-stage dementia is characterised by potentially fatal complications such as pneumonia, infections, and malnutrition.
In short words, late-stage dementia means severe cognitive decline and physical complications.
How dementia affects various brain functions over time
Brain function changes:
- Memory centers deteriorate first
- Language areas often affected next
- Eventually, areas controlling basic bodily functions are impacted
Neurodegeneration role:
- Brain cells die off over time
- Connections between neurons break down
- This progressive damage leads to worsening symptoms
Common complications that make Dementia Fatal or Cause of Death
Dementia does not directly cause death instead, it sets off a chain reaction that results in death complications. When the brain loses control of vital functions the body becomes more vulnerable.
Pneumonia and Respiratory Infections: As dementia patients lose their ability to swallow properly (dysphagia), food or liquids can enter the lungs, resulting in pneumonia, which is the leading cause of death in dementia patients.
Swallowing Difficulties and Malnutrition: Many late-stage dementia patients struggle to eat, resulting in malnutrition and dehydration, which weakens the body and makes it more vulnerable to infections.
Falls and Injuries: Dementia impairs balance and coordination, making patients more likely to fall and sustain fractures or head injuries. These injuries can cause hospitalizations and additional complications.
Infections and immune system decline: As dementia progresses, the immune system weakens, raising the risk of infections such as sepsis. If it’s not treated in an early stage and with proper treatment, these infections can become life threatening or fatal.
Importance of early diagnosis:
- Allows for better planning and care
- Medications may be more effective in early stages
- Gives families time to prepare and adjust
Why Dementia Increases the Risk of Other Fatal Conditions
Patients with dementia are more likely to develop additional serious health issues, which frequently contribute to the disease’s fatal outcome.
Risk of cardiovascular disease due to dementia:
People with dementia are more likely to develop cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks or strokes. These conditions are frequently the true causes of death.
Shared risk factors, such as high blood pressure and cholesterol, link dementia to cardiovascular disease. Each condition can worsen the others. Proper management of both is essential.
Stroke risk because of dementia and its prevention:
- Some types of dementia increase the likelihood of having a stroke.
- Strokes can lead to sudden worsening of dementia symptoms.
- The key to prevention is blood pressure control.
How is vascular dementia related to cardiovascular complications?
- Caused by decreased blood flow to the brain.Caused by reduced blood flow to the brain.
- It is possible that the progression will be step-by-step.
- Managing vascular health is critical for slowing the progression of dementia.
Risk of immobility and blood clots due to dementia:
As dementia progresses, patients become bedridden, which causes blood clots (deep vein thrombosis) to break off and cause a potentially fatal pulmonary embolism.
Risk of Sepsis and Other Infections due to dementia:
Due to weakened immune systems, dementia patients are more likely to contract infections such as sepsis, which is a severe body-wide response to infection. If not treated, sepsis can be fatal or life threatening.
How is Death from Dementia Different from Other Diseases? And how do people die from dementia?
Unlike terminal illnesses such as cancer, dementia usually causes death via complications rather than directly causing it.
Indirect Path to Fatality:
Dementia causes a slow, progressive decline in cognitive and physical health, increasing the risk of fatal complications such as pneumonia, heart disease, and sepsis.
Comparison with Cancer and Other Diseases:
While cancer has a more direct path to death (tumour growth leading to organ failure), dementia patients are more likely to die from associated complications such as infections or respiratory issues.
Dementia as an Underlying Cause:
It is not uncommon for a dementia patient’s death certificate to list complications like infections or heart disease as the cause of death, with dementia serving as the underlying cause.
Preventing and Slowing the Progression of Dementia
While there’s no cure yet, there are ways to potentially reduce risk and slow progression:
Latest prevention research:
- Focus on lifestyle factors.
- Potential of certain medications in prevention.
- Ongoing clinical trials for new interventions.
Lifestyle factors:
- Regular exercise enhances brain health.
- A heart-healthy diet may lower risk.
- Maintaining social activity and mental engagement
Cognitive stimulation.
- Brain Training Exercises
- Learning new skills at any age.
- The importance of social interactions
Emerging treatments:
- New medications target brain changes.
- Potential of Stem Cell Therapy
- Non-invasive techniques for brain stimulation
Caregiving and End-of-Life Decisions for Dementia Patients
Caring for someone with dementia is difficult, especially as the disease progresses to its final stages. Understanding end-of-life care is essential for ensuring comfort and dignity.
Role of Caregivers:
Carers play a critical role in managing dementia symptoms, assisting with daily activities, and monitoring for complications such as infections or falls. if you are caring of your loved one with the end stage of dementia i will suggest you also read about care for bedridden Patient
Hospice Care and Palliative Approaches:
During the late stages of dementia, palliative care focuses on managing symptoms and improving quality of life. Hospice care is frequently recommended when dementia has progressed and the patient’s life expectancy is six months or less.
End-of-Life Decisions:
It’s important to have conversations about advance care planning, including decisions about feeding tubes, resuscitation, and palliative treatments. These decisions guarantee that the patient’s wishes are honoured.
Conclusion:
Dementia is a serious, progressive condition that causes a decline in brain function and affects every aspect of a person’s life. Although dementia itself is not directly fatal, the complications it causes, such as pneumonia, malnutrition, and infections, can lead to death. As the disease progresses, carers and healthcare providers play an increasingly important role in managing complications and ensuring a comfortable end-of-life experience. If you are caring for someone who has dementia, talk to a healthcare professional about palliative care options. After reading this article hope you know the answer of Why is Dementia Causing Death in 2024.
