Painful but Important: Signs Death Is Near in Dementia’s Last Stage

One of the most emotional painful experiences that a family may experience is to witness one of its members in the last stage of dementia. Dementia is not just a memory disorder- it gradually impacts on the body, communication, awareness and tasks of doing simple things in life. As disease advances most families start asking themselves whether the end is near and what they are likely to expect.

Being aware of the symptoms that indicate that death is close to dementia patients can enable them to get ready on an emotional level, make rational care choices, and concentrate on comfort even during this sensitive period.

Learning about the Final Stage of Dementia

During the final phase of dementia, the brain can no longer sustain a significant number of body functions. The individual usually gets totally reliant on care givers to eat, move around and do personal care. There can be a severe limitation of speech or its complete loss, and awareness of loved ones can degrade.

All these changes are heartbreaking, yet it is a natural sequence of the development of the disease. It is important to note that by identifying the symptoms that signify the end of life being close, families are able to appreciate the fact that it is the body of their loved ones preparing to end their lives.

Loss of Appetite and Problem with Swallowing

A significant loss of appetite is one of the most prevalent symptoms that death is approaching that dementia patients complain of. The individual might not consume much food or he/she might not eat at all. It becomes hard to swallow and the chances of choking are increased.

This is not a transformation that is normally based on hunger or obstinacy. Rather, the body is slowly dying and it does not need as much energy. Comfort is supreme at this level as compared to nutrition and families are directed to abide by medical advice that entails mild care.

Increased Sleeping and Extreme Weakness

Dementia is so weak in the end that the individual is usually very feeble. It may no longer be possible to sit up, walk or even hold their head up. The daytime drowsiness and long daytime sleepiness ensue.

Another obvious indicator that death is close to dementia patients can have is this increased sleep. The body is also saving power and the individual might appear less receptive when awake. Though this is painful to watch, it is a normal occurrence in the end-of-life process.

Poor Communication and Reticence

During the last days or weeks, there is a poor level of communication. The words can be forgotten altogether and facial expressions, sound or silence can be used in its place. The individual can no longer respond to interrogatives or voices.

Another symptom that death is at hand that dementia caregivers tend to notice is emotional and social withdrawal. Although it might seem that your significant other is getting lost or is losing hearing is one of the last senses to die. Comfort may still be provided by talking in a low-key and using hands and assurance.

Alterations in the Breathing Patterns

The body usually alters the breathing. It can turn to be irregular, shallow and slow than normal. Others have stops in between breaths or the sounding of breathing due to slack throat muscles.

These are some of the breathing patterns that are familiar indications of the fact that death is close to dementia patients in the end. Though such may be scary, healthcare providers may give advice and comfort interventions to alleviate suffering to both the patient and relatives.

Greater Infection and Reduced Immunity

The immune system is highly weak in severe dementia. Repeat infections are frequent (pneumonia, urinary tract infections) and are frequently hard to resolve.

These repeated infections are also another sign that the body is almost coming to an end. When the signs that death is almost at hand have been revealed, many families opt to have comfort-based care as opposed to aggressive treatment.

Alterations in the Skin and Body Temperature

During later stages of life, there is slowing down of circulation. The hands and feet can be cool, and the color of the skin is paler or mottled. Body temperature may be varying, occasionally it may feel out of the ordinary warm or cold.

These physical changes are not unnatural and they are an indication that the systems of the body are slowly wearing out.

The way Families Can Provide Comfort during this period

Once the symptoms that death is close have been exhibited, then the emphasis should be on comforting rather than curing. Peace can be achieved with simple gestures, like gentle touch, calming music, and familiar voices, and a relaxed atmosphere.

Teams providing hospice or palliative care come in particularly handy at this stage. They are supportive to the patient and the family in dealing with pain, alleviating sufferings, and provide emotional advice.

Peace of the Final Moments

Despite the fact that the late dementia stage is excruciatingly painful, it can also be a period of silent intimacy. This helps the families feel that they are not alone and that they are still appreciated even without uttering words.

Knowing when death is close to dementia will enable the loved ones to be ready, give their own farewells and concentrate on dignity, compassion and love in the final stage of life.