What Are the Symptoms of the Final Stages of Alzheimer’s?

Late-stage Alzheimer’s takes a toll on both seniors and their caregivers. As the loved one of someone with this disease, you’ll need more information to continue providing the best care and support possible.

This overview of the final stages of Alzheimer’s disease will help you better understand what’s happening in your loved one’s brain. That way, you can manage their care and support them (and yourself) through this difficult stage.

Here’s what you can expect during the later stages of Alzheimer’s disease.

Late-Stage Alzheimer’s: Severe Dementia and Cognitive Problems

Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease. This means the symptoms continue to become more severe as time passes. Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but there are medications to slow its progression.

Still, your loved one will likely find themselves in late-stage Alzheimer’s at some point. With this stage comes lots of confusion, very poor memory and concentration, mood swings, and more.

Signs to Look For in Late Alzheimer’s Disease

Your loved one may:

Wander and get lost
Forget who they are
Forget familiar faces and confuse family members
Need 24/7 care with personal tasks
Have lots of trouble expressing their thoughts and feelings
Struggle to communicate normally
Display “sundowning” behaviors
Become aggressive and defiant
Have trouble standing, walking, or sitting for long periods
Need help with feeding and swallowing
Suddenly forget where they are and why they’re there

These symptoms are painful to experience and witness in a loved one with Alzheimer’s.

Total Dependence on Caregivers

Increased dependence on you or another caregiver is a big sign that your loved one’s Alzheimer’s has progressed. In late-stage Alzheimer’s disease, your loved one won’t be able to safely care for themselves the way they used to.

For example, maybe your senior loved one could previously take a shower on their own, but now, they need help to avoid falling. This is normal and expected; Alzheimer’s disease affects many parts of the brain, some of which are involved in movement and coordination.

People with Alzheimer’s also ask lots of questions, like what time of day it is and where they are. They rely on their caregivers to tell them what’s going on so they can feel safe and secure — even if they don’t seem to like the answers.

What Does Someone With Late-Stage Alzheimer’s Need?

You may feel lost on where to turn next. How can you supplement your loved one’s care while also tending to your own needs? Late-stage Alzheimer’s is very taxing for caregivers.

Personal Care, Behavior Management, and Safety Considerations

People with Alzheimer’s need constant reminders of current events and have trouble regulating their emotions and behavior. They also usually need help with personal care tasks, like grooming, bathing, and eating.

The homes of people with Alzheimer’s should be free of fall hazards and trip risks. This includes decluttering and clearing pathways in the house, as well as putting up mobility supports like handrails and chair lifts.

In-Home and Respite Care

It’s okay to need a break from 24/7 caregiving. In-home care is one option for stressed family caregivers whose loved ones need round-the-clock Alzheimer’s support. Rather than moving your loved one out of a familiar environment and into a new one, they can get the help they need right at home.

You can also ask a trusted family member or friend to provide occasional respite care for dementia caregivers. They can step in when the demands of your loved one’s Alzheimer’s exceed your capacity to handle them.

How to Manage Challenging Alzheimer’s Symptoms

All hope is not lost once your loved one gets an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Plenty of seniors and their families cope with Alzheimer’s and continue to live a healthy life for many years.

Here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind as you care for your loved one:

Be patient and empathetic
Use clear speech
Talk slowly
Give reminders as needed
Don’t take challenging behaviors personally
Acknowledge how your loved one feels (ex: “You seem really frustrated right now.”)
Keep routines consistent for waking, grooming, mealtimes, and bedtime
Be aware of “sundowning” (more aggressive behavior and moods in the evenings)
Ask for help when you need it
Take time for self-care

By using these strategies, you can make late-stage Alzheimer’s more bearable for yourself and your loved one.

Coping With Alzheimer’s

Don’t forget that you’re human, too. Coping with an Alzheimer’s diagnosis isn’t easy for anyone. What matters is how you take care of yourself and your loved one afterward. Make plenty of time for joy, fun, and connection — you’ll both benefit from it. Also see: How to Deal with Dementia in a Parent: Caregiving & Coping Tips for Adult Children

If you or your family member is considering in-home care as part of a plan to age in place, contact Family Matters In-Home Care today for a free consultation. Our team is dedicated to supporting your family and helping older adults enjoy life in the comfort of their own home for as long as possible.

Some of the services offered by Family Matter In-Home Care include: Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care, Bed & Wheelchair Transfer Assistance, Companionship, Housekeeping & Meal Preparation, Personal Care, Recovery Care, and Transportation.

Serving the San Francisco Bay Area and Greater San Diego, Family Matter In-Home Care has offices throughout California.

Carol Pardue-Spears

Carol has worked in the healthcare field for more than forty years. As a Certified Nursing Assistant, she worked for El Camino Hospital in the cardiac unit, Los Gatos Community Hospital, The Women’s Cancer Center in Los Gatos and several home health and hospice agencies. Carol founded Family Matters in 2002 to fill a deficit she witnessed in high-quality, in-home services and care.