what are the final stages of dementia?

Hi KittyBetty,

you could read the 'sticky' at the top of this forum that says "The 7 Stages of Alzheimers'. That's a pretty good indication of what to expect.

However, the final FINAL stages are:

Refusal to eat
Extreme lethargy (stay in bed)
Extreme sleep
Loss of consiousness

It's a horrible stage to watch, but equally as pleasing as their battle will soon be over.

kittybetty...this horrendous disease is very sly...often when our loved one reaches "the final stage", we ready ourselves for their death. Sometimes death WILL come quickly, but once in a while, that final stage lasts longer than we wish.

My Mom was determined to be in the final stage the beginning of February. Hospice became involved...and truthfully...I felt some relief that her long ordeal (9 years!) would soon be over. As angel_bear so carefully referred...we want this battle to be over for our loved ones. My Mom is still eating...tiny bits, only with her fingers...but getting thinner each week. My FIL and MIL are also in facilites with Alzheimer's...Hospice is involved with each of them also. He accepts help with meals, but she will not. It's interesting that they have all been determined to be in "final stage"...but seem different in their actions.

Hope you continue posting...this is a most informative and compassionate place to learn and share experience...........Pam;)

Pam, it is very confusing isn't it? Our twists and turns continue with our Mother. She is totally dependent on others, can not feed or drink without assistance. Most days she refuses what little physical therapy they want her to have. She does have brief moments when she knows her loved ones, the next minute she is making random comments and observations that have no bearing on anything.

It is taking it's toll on some members of the family....thier hearts are broken at the thoughts of her being like this for an untold time. The good news is she thinks she is at the doctor's office, waiting for an appt., for the last 3 months!!

She spends most of her time sleeping, and we all have noticed a sharp decline in the last month for her. God only knows when her suffering will be over, I will say a prayer for all our loved ones. God Bless, DeeDee

Hopefully, you have a DNR in place and consider instructions that eliminate tube feeding - as such would only tend to prolong the grief and the condition. It's extremely difficult for family and relatives to observe the paths that a demented person travels. I feel I know - it's been six years now that my wife has been on this journey - someday it will end - but in the interim we just communicate by holding hands.
Do what you can -while you can. :angel: