Alzheimer's Disease and Its Impact on Life Expectancy

Alzheimer's disease, particularly in its advanced stages, can significantly affect a patient's life expectancy. As the condition progresses, it brings about severe physical and cognitive decline, which in turn increases the risk of life-threatening complications.

How Advanced Alzheimer's Affects Physical Health

In the later stages of Alzheimer's, individuals often lose the ability to perform basic daily tasks, experience incontinence, muscle rigidity, and a severe decline in motor function. These symptoms often result in prolonged bed rest or immobility, which further contributes to a range of serious health issues.

Increased Risk of Infections and Physical Complications

Long-term immobility raises the likelihood of developing dangerous lung infections such as pneumonia, which is one of the leading causes of death among Alzheimer's patients. Additionally, pressure ulcers and skin infections become more common due to limited movement and poor circulation. These wounds can easily become infected, leading to more severe systemic complications.

Cardiovascular and Circulatory Risks

Patients with advanced Alzheimer's are also at a higher risk for developing blood clots in the legs, known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can travel to the lungs and cause a potentially fatal pulmonary embolism. Arterial clots may also lead to heart attacks or strokes—acute events that can dramatically shorten a patient's life expectancy.

Leading Causes of Mortality in Late-Stage Alzheimer's

Ultimately, the most common causes of mortality in individuals with severe Alzheimer's are infections like pneumonia and cardiovascular events such as heart attacks or strokes. These conditions often strike suddenly and can be difficult to treat effectively in patients who are already physically weakened by the progression of the disease.