If the person is in the early stages of dementia, it is usually a good idea to tell them about the death initially and see how they react to the news. This will give you an idea about what to do and whether to tell them again if they keep forgetting (see 'The person's past bereavements' below).
In some cases, when the disease has progressed and it becomes too difficult for a person with dementia to understand, remember, or process the knowledge of death, it might be okay not to say anything. However, most dementia experts agree that the better approach is to be candid.
I'm going to discuss five of the most basic ones here: 1) Don't tell them they are wrong about something, 2) Don't argue with them, 3) Don't ask if they remember something, 4) Don't remind them that their spouse, parent or other loved one is dead, and 5) Don't bring up topics that may upset them.
Acknowledging feelings of relief is not disloyal - the person who has died was still loved and valued by you. Talk about the person, taking time to remember stories from his or her life before they had dementia and during their illness. Try to sleep and eat well, and to take some gentle exercise.
Try to arrange to tell the person at a time of day when he or she is rested and in a safe, comfortable, and private place. Avoid having large groups of mourners coming in together; choose one familiar person to give the bad news with other important people nearby to help if necessary.
Use short, simple sentences and clear language. If the person with dementia is asking about the person who has since died, this can be an opening to then share the bad news with them. This can provide a more natural flow and can help the person who has dementia to process the information.
If the person is in the early stages of dementia, it is usually a good idea to tell them about the death initially and see how they react to the news. This will give you an idea about what to do and whether to tell them again if they keep forgetting (see 'The person's past bereavements' below).
The study found that individuals who experience partner bereavement were nearly 50% more likely to be diagnosed with dementia within three months after the bereavement, compared to those whose partners are still living.
Sometimes called “late stage dementia,” end-stage dementia is the stage in which dementia symptoms become severe to the point where a patient requires help with everyday activities. The person may also have symptoms that indicate that they are near the end of life.
In stage 6 of dementia, a person may start forgetting the names of close loved ones and have little memory of recent events.
In the earlier stages, memory loss and confusion may be mild. The person with dementia may be aware of — and frustrated by — the changes taking place, such as difficulty recalling recent events, making decisions or processing what was said by others.
Administration: The examiner reads a list of 5 words at a rate of one per second, giving the following instructions: “This is a memory test. I am going to read a list of words that you will have to remember now and later on. Listen carefully. When I am through, tell me as many words as you can remember.
Over time, the disease causing the dementia spreads to other parts of the brain. This leads to more symptoms because more of the brain is unable to work properly. At the same time, already-damaged areas of the brain become even more affected, causing symptoms the person already has to get worse.
The funeral - a rite of passage
Support the person with dementia to attend the funeral, especially if it is a close family member or friend who has died. If you are concerned you will be unable to cope because of dealing with your own grief, try to identify someone else to take care of the person with dementia.
In general, once a patient enters the moderate phase of dementia (the phase in which they require some help with their basic activities of daily living like dressing, bathing and grooming), it is unsafe to leave them alone for even short periods of time.
Ultimately it's better to visit three times per week for 20 minutes than once a week for an hour. Do not go on outings until your loved one is totally adjusted to their living situation, and then only if you think it would be helpful and not confusing. Come with a friend or someone else who knows the person.
The average life expectancy figures for the most common types of dementia are as follows: Alzheimer's disease – around eight to 10 years. Life expectancy is less if the person is diagnosed in their 80s or 90s. A few people with Alzheimer's live for longer, sometimes for 15 or even 20 years.
One of the most common causes of death for people with dementia is pneumonia caused by an infection. A person in the later stages of dementia may have symptoms that suggest that they are close to death, but can sometimes live with these symptoms for many months.
However, it is more common in people with dementia, particularly if they have vascular dementia or Parkinson's disease dementia. Depression is often diagnosed when a person is in the early stages of dementia. However it can develop at any stage. Depression can also come and go.
Depression is very common in people living with dementia. An estimated 20 to 30 per cent of people living with dementia experience depressive symptoms. People in long-term residential care are particularly at risk.
Even for those without beta-amyloid accumulation and no signs of cognitive decline, the risk for dementia was greater for men and women who were widowed. “Cognitively unimpaired, widowed older adults were particularly susceptible to Alzheimer disease clinical progression,” the study concluded.
Alzheimer's disease does not change a person's need for love and affection, but it changes many aspects of a relationship. You may lose the companionship of someone who has been close and important to you. You'll need to find different ways to express your feelings.
Receiving a life-changing dementia diagnosis doesn't strip a person of their humanity or personhood. People with dementia think about the same things that any human thinks about — emotions, relationships, daily life, tasks to accomplish, and more.