According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Alzheimer’s is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, learning about the disease and its complications can help you support him or her and provide the care he or she needs.
What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, accounting for approximately 60 to 80 percent of all cases. The disease slowly destroys connections in the brain via plaques, causing problems with memory, behavior, thinking, and brain function. There’s no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, although certain treatments can slow its progression.
What Is Life Expectancy After Diagnosis?
The Alzheimer’s Association estimates a person diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease at age 65 or older will live for an average of four to eight years after the diagnosis. However, some may live for up to 20 years after symptoms begin appearing, while others die shortly after diagnosis. The older a person is when symptoms appear, the shorter his or her life expectancy is likely to be. For example, a 2009 research study found seniors who were diagnosed with the disease when they were in their 90s lived for less than three more years.
If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of senior home care families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
Which Complications of Alzheimer’s Disease Are Fatal?
When the brain isn’t able to properly send out signals to the other organs of the body, bodily functions no longer work, eventually resulting in death. The most common complication of Alzheimer’s disease is aspiration pneumonia, which occurs when swallowing becomes difficult and food or liquid goes down the windpipe into the lungs instead of through the esophagus into the stomach. Once the foreign matter is in the lungs, pneumonia develops. Other fatal complications of the disease include:
- Sepsis from undiagnosed urinary tract infections
- Bedsores
- Malnutrition
- Dehydration
- Injuries from falls
- Various infections
Every senior living with Alzheimer’s deserves high-quality home care service. Reston families can rely on the caregivers at Assisting Hands Home Care Reston to keep their loved ones safe while managing the symptoms of the disease. Our caregivers help seniors regain a sense of pride and accomplishment while promoting cognitive health.
How Can You Support Your Loved One?
Go to doctor’s appointments with your loved one and ensure all of his or her questions are answered. Help your loved one understand the nature of the disease so he or she can make the most of life and remain independent for as long as possible. You may also want to arrange for Alzheimer’s care. Reston a professional caregiver can help your loved one live a happier and healthier life by providing mental stimulation and assisting with everyday tasks like bathing, cooking, and cleaning.
There are many reasons seniors might need assistance at home. Some may require regular mental stimulation due to an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, while others might only need part-time assistance with exercise and basic household tasks. Assisting Hands Home Care is a leading Reston in-home care provider. Families rely on our expertly trained caregivers to help their senior loved ones maintain a high quality of life. For reliable in-home care services, contact us at 703-556-8983.