Can You Die From Dementia?

Medically reviewed by Majesty Purvis, LCMHC
Updated October 8, 2024by BetterHelp Editorial Team

According to the World Health Organization, more than 55 million people live with dementia, with around 10 million new cases reported each year.

Dementia can be associated with symptoms such as memory loss, confusion, communication difficulties, agitation, and other distressing symptoms. It can also lead to a range of fatal complications. Deaths from Alzheimer’s have risen, while those from heart disease, a leading cause of death, have fallen.

If you or someone you know has dementia, it can be helpful to learn more about dementia and the long-term outlook of the condition to know how to best assist them (or yourself). In this article, we’ll explore some of the possible causes of death that can be associated with dementia, ways to reduce the risk of dementia formation, and resources for support for those affected by dementia.

Dementia can feel overwhelming to experience

Understanding dementia and its outlook

Dementia is not generally considered to be a specific disease. Instead, many experts use it as a term to describe a group of symptoms that can affect a person’s mental function—including their memory. 

Alzheimer’s disease is reported to be the most common cause of dementia. However, there can also be other progressive dementias and disorders that can be linked to the disease. These can include vascular dementia, Lewy Body dementia, Parkinson’s disease, and Huntington’s disease.

Possible causes of death that can be related to dementia 

Some of the possible complications of dementia may include:

Pneumonia

Pneumonia, particularly aspiration pneumonia, is relatively common among older adults with dementia due to problems eating and swallowing, leading to food or liquids entering the lungs and causing inflammation or an infection. Pneumonia caused by these complications is one of the most common causes of death for individuals living with dementia.

Falls

People with dementia have a higher risk of falls due to problems with coordination and balance. Serious injuries to the body, including brain injuries or bone fractures, are possible, which may often require surgery and extended downtime. 

Heart problems

Some people with later-stage dementia may have trouble managing various underlying conditions, including high blood pressure and diabetes. These conditions may damage blood vessels and cause more severe problems, such as heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure, which can lead to fatal complications in individuals living with dementia. Heart disease is common in individuals living with vascular dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and other forms of dementia. 

Eating difficulties

Some researchers note that eating problems can be the most common complication seen in those who live with advanced dementia. Related difficulties experienced by people with dementia can include refusal to eat, the inability to feed oneself, and swallowing difficulties. 

Viral infections

Viral infections like the flu or COVID-19 can be an underlying cause of death in people who live with dementia. That’s because they may be more prone to infections, which can escalate without treatment.

Urinary tract infections

People with dementia might not notice or tell others if they have a urinary tract infection (UTI), a common infection of the bladder. This happens because dementia can make it hard for them to communicate and because they might have trouble moving or controlling their bladder. If not treated, these infections can become serious and even deadly.

What is the prognosis for dementia?

There is not generally a definitive answer to this question, as the prognosis of dementia can differ depending on the person. However, some researchers note that the average duration of survival associated with someone who lives with dementia is seven to 10 years

Decreasing your chances of getting dementia

At the time of this publication, many types of dementia may not be able to be cured or reversed. However, current research suggests that you may be able to take steps to reduce your risk of getting dementia. 

Below, we’ve listed a few scientifically suggested strategies that can help decrease your dementia risk:

Eat a healthy diet

If you’re looking to lower your dementia risk, it can be helpful to do your best to eat a healthy, balanced diet. This can be an important part of your overall health and well-being anyway and can actively reduce the risk of dementia while promoting a higher quality of life.

Exercise

You don’t necessarily have to engage in rigorous or demanding exercise to find benefits using this strategy. Even light exercise can be beneficial to your health and can include options such as walking, light jogging, or group exercise classes.

Refrain from smoking and limit drinking

Limiting these behaviors can improve your overall health. Drinking too much alcohol may worsen health conditions and can directly impact your risk of getting dementia. Smoking can as well, and it can also increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and lung disease.

Monitor blood pressure

Controlling high blood pressure can be an important part of reducing your risk of developing dementia. If you want to pursue this method of self-management, it’s generally best to talk to your physician about lifestyle changes or medication that might work best for you instead of doing it on your own.

Pay attention to your overall health

This can be a broad strategy to try if you’re attempting to reduce your dementia risk. It can include getting enough sleep, tending to your mental health, and keeping up with regular check-ups and health screenings. 

Stay social

It can help to try to stay connected to your friends and family, as social connections are very important for overall health. Additionally, loneliness can be associated with an increased risk of dementia.

Treatment options and support

The appropriate course of treatment for dementia generally depends on the cause of dementia and the individual. However, many may find that there are a range of treatment options that can be made available to support their individual needs. Dementia care may include therapies, lifestyle changes, and medications that can help manage symptoms.

Caregivers and loved ones of individuals living with dementia often can enjoy a range of available support options. For instance, you may find it helpful to connect with others going through a similar experience through a local or virtual support group.

How can online therapy support the loved ones of those who live with dementia?

Many may benefit from personalized support through in-person or online therapy. For some people who are caring for a loved one with dementia, it can feel challenging to take time for something like therapy, given the responsibilities on your plate. In these cases, online therapy may be a more convenient option, as you can have sessions wherever you have internet—which may be helpful if you don’t want to leave the house for extended periods of time. 

Is online therapy effective?

Research has suggested that therapy can be an effective option to support family caregivers. Findings report that those who participate in therapy as they provide care for someone who lives with dementia may find help balancing new responsibilities, learning coping strategies to manage stress, and processing their feelings.

Dementia can feel overwhelming to experience

Takeaway

Dementia can be defined as a term that defines a set of symptoms that affect a person’s thinking, memory, and social abilities. There are a number of steps you can take that may help to reduce your risk of dementia, including eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, monitoring blood pressure, and staying social. Online therapy may be a more convenient option for both those living with dementia and their families. BetterHelp can connect you with an online therapist in your area of need.
Navigate the challenges of dementia
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