10 Signs That Death May Be Near in Dementia

Understanding Dementia and the End of Life

When dementia progresses, it affects both physical and cognitive aspects that include how someone thinks, behaves, and functions in their daily life. While the timeline may vary for each person, each stage has its own unique challenges. Early stages may reveal subtle yet manageable changes. As dementia progresses to the middle stage, mood shifts and confusion increase, and people develop difficulty accomplishing their activities of daily living, known as ADLs. Severe memory loss becomes apparent, and due to increased vulnerability, constant care may be needed during end stage dementia.

Recognizing end of life changes are happening helps you prepare and make decisions for your loved one, so they feel loved and supported during their final days. 

The 7 stages of dementia before death include:

1. Dementia symptoms aren’t visible, but changes might be happening in the brain.
2. Mild memory lapses occur but are often dismissed as typical aging.
3. Remembering recent events or finding words may begin to be difficult.
4. Clear cognitive decline, especially when performing complex tasks, or attempting to manage finances.
5. Experiencing increased confusion and needing help with daily routines.
6. Profound memory loss, dramatic changes in personality, and a need for complete full-time care.
7. Full dependence. May be unable to walk, swallow, or speak, with increased vulnerability to infections or other complications. 

Loved ones can shift their focus towards ensuring their loved one is comfortable and supported with dignity when end of life signs in dementia begin progressing.

The 10 Signs That Death May Be Near in Dementia

When dementia reaches its final stage, there are both physical and emotional signs that mean death is approaching. These signs happen gradually but can intensify during the final days.

1. Withdrawal and Unresponsiveness: Your loved one may not be aware of their current surroundings, become emotionally distant, or become non-verbal. They might not have eye contact and could be unresponsive when touched. 
2. Loss of Appetite and Thirst: They may refuse to eat or drink, which could lead to weakness, dehydration, and potential weight loss when the body starts shutting down. 
3. Significant Changes in Breathing Patterns: Their breathing might begin to be labored and irregular, which indicates the body is preparing to shut down, and could include a sound called the death rattle.
4. Extreme Fatigue and Sleep Increases: When they’re awake, they might not interact with you, seem drowsy, or sleep frequently. 
5. Skin Color Changes and Cold Extremities: Limbs, hands, and feet may look pale or blue and become cold due to reduced blood circulation. Their bodies are conserving energy for their organs. 
6. Incontinence and Kidney Function Decline: Urine output may cease, which means kidney function is lessening, while loss of bladder and bowel control indicates their body is nearing the final end of life stage. 
7. Agitation or Restlessness: Some people near the end of life become anxious or restless, which can be caused by confusion and alterations in the brain. If this happens, they may need extra medical support or compassionate reassurance. 
8. Irregular Heartbeat or Low Blood Pressure: Your loved one’s heart rate may slow down, and their blood pressure could drop, while vital signs may show signs of fluctuation. The body is weakening and preparing to shut down. 
9. Sudden Clarity or “Terminal Lucidity”: In some cases, people regain their awareness, recognize loved ones, or speak clearly, which might happen just before death, and feel emotional.
10. Rapid Overall Decline in Physical Condition: Their strength, coordination, and mobility may quickly deteriorate, and can all be signs that the end is near. 

Why Recognizing the Signs Matters

When signs of death are near for your loved one, care decisions can change from treatment-focused care to additional comfort and support. Thoughtful planning, meaningful goodbyes, and compassionate symptom relief can reduce the stress that families and their loved ones may experience during the final stages of life. 

• Emotional and practical preparation: Being aware of your loved one’s life changes can help you plan ahead and emotionally prepare, ensuring this is a time to reflect and experience a sense of calm, with a meaningful connection. 
• Importance of informed decisions: If you have insights into what lies ahead, your family can fully consider the treatment options available and make the right decisions, which may prevent distress, and include hospice and medical interventions, as well as compassionate care at the end.
• Support for caregiver well-being: The emotional burden experienced by caregivers at the end of life can allow them to focus on presence instead of stress, ensuring dignity is part of the process. 
• How to Provide Comfort and Dignity in the Final Days: When dementia is in its final days, a gentle touch, soft music, and a soothing environment can ease discomfort, provide peace, and help the patient feel calm and secure. 
• After Death – What Comes Next for Families: After your loved one passes, comforting rituals and your time with your network of family and friends can provide help while you face your grief and reflect. While healing will take time, knowing what to expect will ease the transition and guide you in planning the funeral. The emotional changes brought on by the loss of your loved one will require coping skills and possibly ongoing support. 

Stellar Care specializes in providing assisted living and memory care through the decline of dementia and their final chapter of life. We focus on offering a calm and supportive setting when our residents need help to manage their pain, ease their anxiety, or want us by their side, offering quiet companionship. Our compassionate staff is properly trained to recognize the subtle changes that may occur in your loved one who is suffering from the effects of dementia. We offer personalized care plans to guide our residents and their families through this challenging time with understanding and sensitivity. You can trust that your loved one will be cared for with empathetic patience, kindness, and dignity at Stellar Care.