Alzheimer how many years

Please bear in mind that this information is based on statistical averages, and there can be individual variations in the disease and a person's resilience to it. Dementia is one of the top causes of death in the United States, and the events leading to death in a person with dementia — such as complications related to an infection after aspiration, or falling — are not always directly linked to the disease. Again, while these may influence life expectancy with Alzheimer's in general, individuals sometimes depart from statistics and have a different disease course.

For anyone with dementia, there is a period of survival with the disease, and this can be a challenging and complicated time for caregivers, a time during which family members need to work together, plan for the future, and cope with an increasingly difficult set of circumstances.

Many factors affect the number of years we are expected to live, including the year of birth, sex, race, and income level. As with life expectancy in general, many factors affect the expected length of survival after a diagnosis of dementia. If we include everyone of all ages, average life expectancy is decreased by almost nine years by dementia, but this number can be further refined based on individual characteristics. At all ages, expected survival after a dementia diagnosis is about 1.

Scientists are researching the biological basis for this, and it may also be explained in part by differences in social norms for example, women may be more likely to seek medical advice that prolongs their lives.

Earlier detection may mean an extended period of survival with the disease. You may have dropped in to check on them every so often, but for the most part, they were able to function without your regular assistance. In this stage, your loved one will likely have trouble remembering people that are important to them, such as close family and friends. They may struggle with learning new things, and basic tasks like getting dressed might be too much for them. Emotional changes are also common during this stage, including:.

Living on your own requires you to be able to respond to your environment, like knowing what to do if the fire alarm goes off or the phone rings. Communicating may also become difficult during this stage.

Significant personality changes may continue to occur, including increased anxiety, hallucinations, delusions and paranoia. As their independence continues to decrease, your loved one may become more frustrated with you.

There are both medicines and behavioral strategies that may help in these instances which you can discuss with your care team.

While the above behavioral changes are not universal and some patients may be content throughout the course of the disease. They may need round-the-clock care for help with walking, sitting and eventually swallowing.

The early signs of Alzheimer disease may not be obvious to anyone except the person with the disease and the people closest to them. Even then, the symptoms may be confused with normal changes that come with age. These are often memory tests. They may seem like puzzles or word games. The healthcare provider might also take a health history and order some tests to check for other possible causes of memory loss or confusion.

The provider might talk with family members about symptoms they have noticed. Some medicines can slow the progress of the disease in some people. These may work for a few months to a few years. Treatment might also be needed to help with feelings of depression or anxiety. Sleep disorders can also be treated. People with Alzheimer disease need to follow a full treatment plan to protect their health. Even though a loved one may have this disease, it is still important that they take care of their physical health.

But what about the other symptoms? Here are tips from a Johns Hopkins expert on what to watch for and how to manage. Facts about Alzheimer disease Alzheimer disease is becoming more common as the general population gets older and lives longer.

Stages of Alzheimer disease The stages of Alzheimer disease usually follow a progressive pattern. A person may still live independently at this stage, but may have problems: Remembering a name Recalling recent events Remembering where he or she put a valuable object Making plans Staying organized Managing money The person may be aware of memory lapses and their friends, family or neighbors may also notice these difficulties.

At this stage, symptoms include: Increasing trouble remembering events Problems learning new things Trouble with planning complicated events, like a dinner Trouble remembering their own name, but not details about their own life, such as address and phone number Problems with reading, writing, and working with numbers As the disease progresses, the person may: Know that some people are familiar, but not remember their names, or forget the names of a spouse or child Lose track of time and place Need help choosing the right clothing, getting dressed, and with daily activities, such as brushing teeth Become moody or withdrawn, or have personality changes, such as hallucinations, paranoia, or delusions Be restless, agitated, anxious, or tearful, especially in the late afternoon or at night Physical changes may occur as well.

Severe, late stage. At this stage, a person: Loses many physical abilities, including walking, sitting, eating. May lose bowel and bladder control May be able to say some words or phrases, but not have a conversation Needs help with all activities all of the time Is unaware of recent experiences and of his or her surroundings Is more likely to get infections, especially pneumonia Diagnosis The early signs of Alzheimer disease may not be obvious to anyone except the person with the disease and the people closest to them.