How does Alzheimer's lead to death 2024?
I'll answer
Earn 20 gold coins for an accepted answer.20
Earn 20 gold coins for an accepted answer.
40more
40more
Lucas Martinez
Works at the International Organization for Migration, Lives in Geneva, Switzerland.
As a specialist in the field of neurodegenerative diseases, I have a deep understanding of the complexities surrounding Alzheimer's disease and its progression. Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that leads to cognitive decline and eventually death. The pathophysiology of Alzheimer's is multifactorial, involving the accumulation of amyloid-beta plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain, which disrupt neuronal communication and lead to cell death.
The process by which Alzheimer's leads to death is not a direct one but rather a series of complications and consequences of the disease's progression. Here are some key factors:
1. Neurological Decline: The cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer's affects memory, language, and problem-solving abilities. As the disease progresses, the individual may lose the ability to recognize family members, communicate effectively, and make sound decisions.
2. Functional Decline: Along with cognitive decline, there is a loss of physical function. Patients may become unable to perform activities of daily living such as dressing, bathing, and eating independently.
3. Incontinence: As mentioned, incontinence can occur, leading to urinary tract infections. These infections can become severe and, if not treated, can lead to sepsis, a life-threatening condition.
4. Pneumonia: The loss of the ability to swallow safely can result in aspiration pneumonia, which is a common cause of death in advanced Alzheimer's disease.
5. Malnutrition and Dehydration: As the disease progresses, patients may lose interest in food and become unable to eat or drink adequately, leading to malnutrition and dehydration.
6. Immune System Compromise: The immune system can become compromised, making the individual more susceptible to infections.
7.
Systemic Effects: The constant stress on the body from the disease can lead to a general decline in overall health, affecting the cardiovascular, respiratory, and other systems.
8.
Brainstem Involvement: In the later stages of Alzheimer's, the disease can affect the brainstem, which controls vital functions such as breathing and heart rate. Damage to these areas can be life-threatening.
It is important to note that while the disease itself may eventually affect the brain's control centers for vital functions, patients often succumb to complications such as infections before reaching this point.
The process by which Alzheimer's leads to death is not a direct one but rather a series of complications and consequences of the disease's progression. Here are some key factors:
1. Neurological Decline: The cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer's affects memory, language, and problem-solving abilities. As the disease progresses, the individual may lose the ability to recognize family members, communicate effectively, and make sound decisions.
2. Functional Decline: Along with cognitive decline, there is a loss of physical function. Patients may become unable to perform activities of daily living such as dressing, bathing, and eating independently.
3. Incontinence: As mentioned, incontinence can occur, leading to urinary tract infections. These infections can become severe and, if not treated, can lead to sepsis, a life-threatening condition.
4. Pneumonia: The loss of the ability to swallow safely can result in aspiration pneumonia, which is a common cause of death in advanced Alzheimer's disease.
5. Malnutrition and Dehydration: As the disease progresses, patients may lose interest in food and become unable to eat or drink adequately, leading to malnutrition and dehydration.
6. Immune System Compromise: The immune system can become compromised, making the individual more susceptible to infections.
7.
Systemic Effects: The constant stress on the body from the disease can lead to a general decline in overall health, affecting the cardiovascular, respiratory, and other systems.
8.
Brainstem Involvement: In the later stages of Alzheimer's, the disease can affect the brainstem, which controls vital functions such as breathing and heart rate. Damage to these areas can be life-threatening.
It is important to note that while the disease itself may eventually affect the brain's control centers for vital functions, patients often succumb to complications such as infections before reaching this point.
2024-06-23 16:14:05
reply(1)
Helpful(1122)
Helpful
Helpful(2)
Works at Amazon, Lives in Seattle, WA
Incontinence can result in bladder infections. ... Doctors say it is possible that an Alzheimer's patient could progress to the point that damage from the disease to the centers of the brain that control breathing could cause death, but patients rarely get that far without an infection setting in.Apr 30, 2001
2023-06-01 10:33:15
Harper Adams
QuesHub.com delivers expert answers and knowledge to you.
Incontinence can result in bladder infections. ... Doctors say it is possible that an Alzheimer's patient could progress to the point that damage from the disease to the centers of the brain that control breathing could cause death, but patients rarely get that far without an infection setting in.Apr 30, 2001
