{"formatVersion":"1.1","id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/signs-death-is-near-in-dementia-patients","path":"/library/signs-death-is-near-in-dementia-patients","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/signs-death-is-near-in-dementia-patients","title":"10 Signs Death Is Near in Dementia Patients","family":"Library detail","description":"When someone has severe dementia it can be very upsetting. Read here if you want to find out how to know when a person with dementia is nearing the end.","language":"en-US","access":{"audience":"custom-shared-preview","indexable":true},"provenance":{"sourceUrl":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/signs-death-is-near-in-dementia-patients","wordpressId":"418","contentCompleteness":"complete","dateScope":"original-source"},"authors":[{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/elizabeth-michael#person","name":"Elizabeth Michael","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/elizabeth-michael"}],"reviewer":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/morgan-blair#person","name":"Morgan Blair","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/morgan-blair"},"dates":{"datePublished":"2023-03-30T09:09:44Z","dateModified":"2025-09-08T11:15:38Z","lastReviewed":"2023-03-30"},"content":{"html":"

10 Signs Death Is Near in Dementia Patients

Written by \"\"Elizabeth MichaelMedically reviewed by \"\"Morgan Blair

Published on · Updated on

It can be extremely difficult to see your loved one suffering with late-stage dementia. Coming to terms with their eventual passing can be hard to process. However, recognizing the signs of approaching death for dementia sufferers can help you cope with what is to come.

\"An

Key takeaways

  • Advanced dementia can involve profound dependence, reduced responsiveness, and difficulties eating, swallowing, or moving.
  • Complications such as infections and poor intake can contribute to declining health, but the course varies between individuals.
  • Advance care planning and palliative or hospice support can prioritize comfort while also supporting family caregivers.

What is dementia?

Dementia is a syndrome referring to a progressive decline of brain function. It adversely affects thinking, memory and behavior and can disrupt a sufferer’s personal and professional life. [1]

It is common for your memory to be affected by everyday stress and fatigue, but if you see a pattern of forgetfulness in yourself or a loved one, it is advised to seek a medical diagnosis as soon as possible. [1]

Many people enjoy active and rewarding lives for many years after being diagnosed with dementia, and the medical guidance and help received can be essential to them doing so. [1]

Types of dementia

Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a range of conditions adversely affecting the brain. The 4 most common forms of dementia and some of their symptoms are detailed below. [2]

Alzheimer’s disease

  • Gradual, progressive decline – symptoms appear mild at first and intensify over time
  • Short term memory loss and problems with 3-word or 5-word recall in early stages
  • Executive function damage in later stages – this may look like an inability to plan, poor judgement or time management
  • Mood and personality changes

Vascular dementia

  • Sudden or gradual onset
  • Typically caused by a stroke
  • Difficulty speaking and understanding speech
  • Vision loss
  • Problems with movement and falls depending on extent of the stroke.
  • Thinking and reasoning typically affected more than memory loss in early stages

Lewy body dementia (LBD)

  • Lewy bodies (microscopic deposits of protein) form in the cortex
  • Related to Parkinson’s disease – over 80% of individuals with LBD develop Parkinson’s
  • Poor executive function in early stages
  • Visual hallucinations in early stages
  • Sustained periods of staring into space

Frontotemporal dementia

  • Disorders that affect the frontal and temporal lobes of brain e.g., Picks disease
  • Occur at a younger age – between 40 and 75.
  • More personality and behavioral irregularities than memory impairment in early stages
  • Sudden bouts of aggression, agitation and a lack of inhibition in social situations.

What are 10 signs death is near in people with dementia?

A person with dementia will typically decline as time goes by. The rate at which this happens depends on the person, the type of dementia, and medical intervention.

As the disease develops, a person can struggle with greater memory loss and problems with self-regulation. [2] Their judgement, their ability to convey and understand information, and their movement all deteriorate, until finally, a person with severe dementia is no longer able to care for  themselves.

Here are 10 signs death is near in dementia: [3]

  1. Eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties
  2. Irregular breathing pattern
  3. Increased frailty
  4. Become less mobile
  5. Sleep more
  6. Either unable to speak or speaking in barely intelligible phrases/utterings
  7. Have more infections
  8. Need urgent medical care
  9. Bowel and bladder incontinence
  10. Lose consciousness intermittently

What does the final stage of dementia look like?

In the final stages of dementia, a person experiences an intense decline in quality of life. This experience depends on both the individual and the form of dementia they suffer from.

Below is a list describing how the final stages can look in the 4 most common types of dementia:

Alzheimer’s disease

  • Median 4-8 years after diagnosis until final stage of dementia
  • Persons appear unresponsive to their surroundings
  • Difficulty communicating
  • Cannot control movement e.g., walking, sitting, and lying down
  • Require around the clock care
  • Increased vulnerability to infections, especially pneumonia [4]

Vascular dementia

  • Around 5 years following onset of symptoms
  • Severe cognitive impairment and decline
  • Difficulty communicating
  • Behavioral issues
  • Loss of control of bodily functions – incontinence
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Require 24-hour care and supervision [2]

Lewy body dementia

  • Median 3-4 years following clinical diagnosis
  • Loss of appetite
  • Loss of ability to swallow
  • Difficulty walking
  • Diminishing cognition
  • Decreased communication
  • Increased sleepiness
  • Increased hallucinations
  • Require 24-hour care as symptoms progress [6]

Frontotemporal dementia

  • Between 1-3 years following clinical diagnosis
  • Incontinence and pressure ulcers
  • Loss of appetite
  • Epilepsy
  • Difficulty walking
  • Increased vulnerability to infections, especially pneumonia.
  • Involuntary functional disorders
  • Require 24-hour care and supervision [7]

How does dementia cause death?

Dementia isn’t solely responsible for death, rather it causes complications that lead to death. A person in the final stages of dementia has a higher risk of contracting potentially fatal diseases.

Aspiration pneumonia, coronary heart disease, and gastrointestinal disease are among the conditions people with advanced dementia are more prone to contracting. [7] [8]

A lack of inclination to eat or drink combined with an inability to swallow leads to malnutrition and dehydration, another leading cause of death in dementia patients. [8].

A lack of mobility and gait problems may also increase the risk of blood clots forming in the lungs.

How to prepare for your loved onee's final stage of dementia

Coping with a loved one’s struggle with dementia can feel disheartening. Whilst there is no cure, you can take steps to provide them with comfort and care.

Advanced care planning is recommended in early stages after diagnosis. [6] Having plans in place make the end-of-life process easier and can ease the emotional burden on the family.

For example, during a 2019 study into end-of-life care, a child of someone with dementia claimed that his parents getting their medical documentation in place was extremely beneficial when it came to the final stages of their lives. [6]

Making advanced directives such as living wills, power of attorney and other health care instructions could prove helpful down the line.

There are numerous medical options, such as palliative or hospice care, that can be effective in providing comfort for someone with dementia and helping them connect with their family. [9]

Hospice care experts can also provide succor to caregivers for dementia patients towards the end of their loved one’s life, as they cope with an overwhelming number of different emotions. [9].

References

    \n
  1. About dementia. (n.d.). Dementia Australia.
    2. \n
  2. Duong, S., Patel, T., & Chang, F. (2017). Dementia: What pharmacists need to know. Canadian pharmacists journal : CPJ = Revue des pharmaciens du Canada : RPC, 150(2), 118–129. Dementia
    3. \n
  3. How to know when a person with dementia is nearing the end of their life. (2021, September 3). Alzheimer’s Society.  alzheimers.org.uk
    4. \n
  4. Stages of Alzheimer’s. (n.d.). Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia.  Alzheimer’s Association
    5. \n
  5. What Are the 7 Stages of Vascular Dementia?(2022, December 21). Dementech Neurosciences.  dementech.com
    6. \n
  6. Armstrong, M. J., Alliance, S., Taylor, A., Corsentino, P., & Galvin, J. E. (2019). End-of-life experiences in dementia with Lewy bodies: Qualitative interviews with former caregivers. PloS one, 14(5), e0217039. End-of-life experiences in dementia with Lewy bodies
    7. \n
  7. an Engelen, M. E., Gossink, F. T., de Vijlder, L. S., Meursing, J. R. A., Scheltens, P., Dols, A., & Pijnenburg, Y. A. L. (2020). End Stage Clinical Features and Cause of Death of Behavioral Variant Frontotemporal Dementia and Young-Onset Alzheimer's Disease. Journal of Alzheimer's disease : JAD, 77(3), 1169–1180. End Stage Clinical Features and Cause of Death of Behavioral Variant Frontotemporal…
    8. \n
  8. Justin, B. N., Turek, M., & Hakim, A. M. (2013). Heart disease as a risk factor for dementia. Clinical epidemiology, 5, 135–145. Heart disease as a risk factor for dementia
    9. \n
  9. End-of-Life Care for People With Dementia. (n.d.). National Institute on Aging.  National Institute on Aging
    10. \n

Medical Content

The Clinical Affairs Team at MentalHealth.com is a dedicated group of medical professionals with diverse and extensive clinical experience. They actively contribute to the development of content, products, and services, and meticulously review all medical material before publication to ensure accuracy and alignment with current research and conversations in mental health. For more information, please visit the Editorial Policy.

About MentalHealth.com

MentalHealth.com helps people understand themselves, build healthier relationships, and access the right care. We bring together mental health education, diagnostics, and care management to support well-being throughout every phase of life.

\"\"

Author

Elizabeth Michael

Writer

Elizabeth Michael is a professional writer specializing in men’s health, sexuality, addiction, and physical wellness.

Published
Updated
\"\"

Medical Reviewer

Morgan Blair

MA, LPCC

Morgan Blair is a licensed therapist, writer and medical reviewer, holding a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Northwestern University.

Reviewed

Subject matter expert

\"\"

Natalie Staats Reiss Ph.D.

Older adults and caregivers

View experience
\"\"

Related communities

Medical Conditions

Explore the connections between physical health conditions and mental well-being.

Explore community
","text":"HomeLibraryMedical Conditions10 Signs Death Is Near in Dementia Patients10 Signs Death Is Near in Dementia PatientsWritten by Elizabeth MichaelMedically reviewed by Morgan BlairPublished on March 30, 2023 · Updated on September 8, 2025It can be extremely difficult to see your loved one suffering with late-stage dementia. Coming to terms with their eventual passing can be hard to process. However, recognizing the signs of approaching death for dementia sufferers can help you cope with what is to come.Key takeawaysAdvanced dementia can involve profound dependence, reduced responsiveness, and difficulties eating, swallowing, or moving.Complications such as infections and poor intake can contribute to declining health, but the course varies between individuals.Advance care planning and palliative or hospice support can prioritize comfort while also supporting family caregivers.What is dementia?Dementia is a syndrome referring to a progressive decline of brain function. It adversely affects thinking, memory and behavior and can disrupt a sufferer’s personal and professional life. [1]It is common for your memory to be affected by everyday stress and fatigue, but if you see a pattern of forgetfulness in yourself or a loved one, it is advised to seek a medical diagnosis as soon as possible. [1]Many people enjoy active and rewarding lives for many years after being diagnosed with dementia, and the medical guidance and help received can be essential to them doing so. [1]Types of dementiaDementia is an umbrella term used to describe a range of conditions adversely affecting the brain. The 4 most common forms of dementia and some of their symptoms are detailed below. [2]Alzheimer’s diseaseGradual, progressive decline – symptoms appear mild at first and intensify over timeShort term memory loss and problems with 3-word or 5-word recall in early stagesExecutive function damage in later stages – this may look like an inability to plan, poor judgement or time managementMood and personality changesVascular dementiaSudden or gradual onsetTypically caused by a strokeDifficulty speaking and understanding speechVision lossProblems with movement and falls depending on extent of the stroke.Thinking and reasoning typically affected more than memory loss in early stagesLewy body dementia (LBD)Lewy bodies (microscopic deposits of protein) form in the cortexRelated to Parkinson’s disease – over 80% of individuals with LBD develop Parkinson’sPoor executive function in early stagesVisual hallucinations in early stagesSustained periods of staring into spaceFrontotemporal dementiaDisorders that affect the frontal and temporal lobes of brain e.g., Picks diseaseOccur at a younger age – between 40 and 75.More personality and behavioral irregularities than memory impairment in early stagesSudden bouts of aggression, agitation and a lack of inhibition in social situations.What are 10 signs death is near in people with dementia?A person with dementia will typically decline as time goes by. The rate at which this happens depends on the person, the type of dementia, and medical intervention.As the disease develops, a person can struggle with greater memory loss and problems with self-regulation. [2] Their judgement, their ability to convey and understand information, and their movement all deteriorate, until finally, a person with severe dementia is no longer able to care for themselves.Here are 10 signs death is near in dementia: [3]Eating, drinking and swallowing difficultiesIrregular breathing patternIncreased frailtyBecome less mobileSleep moreEither unable to speak or speaking in barely intelligible phrases/utteringsHave more infectionsNeed urgent medical careBowel and bladder incontinenceLose consciousness intermittentlyWhat does the final stage of dementia look like?In the final stages of dementia, a person experiences an intense decline in quality of life. This experience depends on both the individual and the form of dementia they suffer from.Below is a list describing how the final stages can look in the 4 most common types of dementia:Alzheimer’s diseaseMedian 4-8 years after diagnosis until final stage of dementiaPersons appear unresponsive to their surroundingsDifficulty communicatingCannot control movement e.g., walking, sitting, and lying downRequire around the clock careIncreased vulnerability to infections, especially pneumonia [4]Vascular dementiaAround 5 years following onset of symptomsSevere cognitive impairment and declineDifficulty communicatingBehavioral issuesLoss of control of bodily functions – incontinenceDifficulty swallowingRequire 24-hour care and supervision [2]Lewy body dementiaMedian 3-4 years following clinical diagnosisLoss of appetiteLoss of ability to swallowDifficulty walkingDiminishing cognitionDecreased communicationIncreased sleepinessIncreased hallucinationsRequire 24-hour care as symptoms progress [6]Frontotemporal dementiaBetween 1-3 years following clinical diagnosisIncontinence and pressure ulcersLoss of appetiteEpilepsyDifficulty walkingIncreased vulnerability to infections, especially pneumonia.Involuntary functional disordersRequire 24-hour care and supervision [7]How does dementia cause death?Dementia isn’t solely responsible for death, rather it causes complications that lead to death. A person in the final stages of dementia has a higher risk of contracting potentially fatal diseases.Aspiration pneumonia, coronary heart disease, and gastrointestinal disease are among the conditions people with advanced dementia are more prone to contracting. [7] [8]A lack of inclination to eat or drink combined with an inability to swallow leads to malnutrition and dehydration, another leading cause of death in dementia patients. [8].A lack of mobility and gait problems may also increase the risk of blood clots forming in the lungs.How to prepare for your loved onee's final stage of dementiaCoping with a loved one’s struggle with dementia can feel disheartening. Whilst there is no cure, you can take steps to provide them with comfort and care.Advanced care planning is recommended in early stages after diagnosis. [6] Having plans in place make the end-of-life process easier and can ease the emotional burden on the family.For example, during a 2019 study into end-of-life care, a child of someone with dementia claimed that his parents getting their medical documentation in place was extremely beneficial when it came to the final stages of their lives. [6]Making advanced directives such as living wills, power of attorney and other health care instructions could prove helpful down the line.There are numerous medical options, such as palliative or hospice care, that can be effective in providing comfort for someone with dementia and helping them connect with their family. [9]Hospice care experts can also provide succor to caregivers for dementia patients towards the end of their loved one’s life, as they cope with an overwhelming number of different emotions. [9].References About dementia. (n.d.). Dementia Australia. Duong, S., Patel, T., & Chang, F. (2017). Dementia: What pharmacists need to know. Canadian pharmacists journal : CPJ = Revue des pharmaciens du Canada : RPC, 150(2), 118–129. Dementia How to know when a person with dementia is nearing the end of their life. (2021, September 3). Alzheimer’s Society. alzheimers.org.uk Stages of Alzheimer’s. (n.d.). Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia. Alzheimer’s Association What Are the 7 Stages of Vascular Dementia?(2022, December 21). Dementech Neurosciences. dementech.com Armstrong, M. J., Alliance, S., Taylor, A., Corsentino, P., & Galvin, J. E. (2019). End-of-life experiences in dementia with Lewy bodies: Qualitative interviews with former caregivers. PloS one, 14(5), e0217039. End-of-life experiences in dementia with Lewy bodies an Engelen, M. E., Gossink, F. T., de Vijlder, L. S., Meursing, J. R. A., Scheltens, P., Dols, A., & Pijnenburg, Y. A. L. (2020). End Stage Clinical Features and Cause of Death of Behavioral Variant Frontotemporal Dementia and Young-Onset Alzheimer's Disease. Journal of Alzheimer's disease : JAD, 77(3), 1169–1180. End Stage Clinical Features and Cause of Death of Behavioral Variant Frontotemporal… Justin, B. N., Turek, M., & Hakim, A. M. (2013). Heart disease as a risk factor for dementia. Clinical epidemiology, 5, 135–145. Heart disease as a risk factor for dementia End-of-Life Care for People With Dementia. (n.d.). National Institute on Aging. National Institute on Aging Medical ContentThe Clinical Affairs Team at MentalHealth.com is a dedicated group of medical professionals with diverse and extensive clinical experience. They actively contribute to the development of content, products, and services, and meticulously review all medical material before publication to ensure accuracy and alignment with current research and conversations in mental health. For more information, please visit the Editorial Policy.About MentalHealth.comMentalHealth.com helps people understand themselves, build healthier relationships, and access the right care. We bring together mental health education, diagnostics, and care management to support well-being throughout every phase of life.AuthorElizabeth MichaelWriterElizabeth Michael is a professional writer specializing in men’s health, sexuality, addiction, and physical wellness.PublishedMarch 30, 2023UpdatedSeptember 8, 2025Medical ReviewerMorgan BlairMA, LPCCMorgan Blair is a licensed therapist, writer and medical reviewer, holding a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Northwestern University.ReviewedMarch 30, 2023Subject matter expertNatalie Staats Reiss Ph.D.Older adults and caregiversView experienceRelated communitiesMedical ConditionsExplore the connections between physical health conditions and mental well-being.Explore communityTable of contentsChoose a sectionWhat is dementia?What are 10 signs death is near in people with dementia?What does the final stage of dementia look like?How does dementia cause death?Preparing for late-stage dementiaView moreSubject matter expertNatalie Staats Reiss Ph.D.Older adults and caregiversView experienceRelated communitiesMedical ConditionsExplore the connections between physical health conditions and mental well-being.Explore community","wordCount":1418},"schema":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/#organization","name":"MentalHealth.com","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/"},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/#website","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/","name":"MentalHealth.com","inLanguage":"en-US","publisher":{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/#organization"}},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/signs-death-is-near-in-dementia-patients#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Library","item":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Medical Conditions","item":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/medical-conditions"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"name":"10 Signs Death Is Near in Dementia Patients","item":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/signs-death-is-near-in-dementia-patients"}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/signs-death-is-near-in-dementia-patients#primaryimage","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/library/editorial-12825.webp","contentUrl":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/library/editorial-12825.webp","width":1200,"height":800,"encodingFormat":"image/webp","caption":"An older woman closes her eyes in an autumn park."},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/elizabeth-michael#person","name":"Elizabeth Michael","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/elizabeth-michael","jobTitle":"Writer","image":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/wordpress/20542.png","sameAs":["https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethmichael1/"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/morgan-blair#person","name":"Morgan Blair","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/morgan-blair","jobTitle":"MA, LPCC","image":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/wordpress/3070.jpg","sameAs":["https://www.linkedin.com/in/morgan-blair-5627aa88/"]},{"@type":"Article","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/signs-death-is-near-in-dementia-patients#article","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/signs-death-is-near-in-dementia-patients","headline":"10 Signs Death Is Near in Dementia Patients","description":"When someone has severe dementia it can be very upsetting. Read here if you want to find out how to know when a person with dementia is nearing the end.","wordCount":1049,"mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/signs-death-is-near-in-dementia-patients#webpage"},"publisher":{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/#organization"},"articleSection":"Library","citation":[{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"About dementia. (n.d.). Dementia Australia."},{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"Duong, S., Patel, T., & Chang, F. (2017). Dementia: What pharmacists need to know. Canadian pharmacists journal : CPJ = Revue des pharmaciens du Canada : RPC, 150(2), 118–129. Dementia","url":"https://doi.org/10.1177/1715163517690745"},{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"How to know when a person with dementia is nearing the end of their life. (2021, September 3). Alzheimer’s Society. alzheimers.org.uk","url":"https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/help-dementia-care/recognising-when-someone-reaching-end-their-life"},{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"Stages of Alzheimer’s. (n.d.). Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia. Alzheimer’s Association","url":"https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/stages"},{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"What Are the 7 Stages of Vascular Dementia?(2022, December 21). Dementech Neurosciences. dementech.com","url":"https://dementech.com/2022/06/28/what-are-the-7-stages-of-vascular-dementia/"},{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"Armstrong, M. J., Alliance, S., Taylor, A., Corsentino, P., & Galvin, J. E. (2019). End-of-life experiences in dementia with Lewy bodies: Qualitative interviews with former caregivers. PloS one, 14(5), e0217039. End-of-life experiences in dementia with Lewy bodies","url":"https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0217039"},{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"an Engelen, M. E., Gossink, F. T., de Vijlder, L. S., Meursing, J. R. A., Scheltens, P., Dols, A., & Pijnenburg, Y. A. L. (2020). End Stage Clinical Features and Cause of Death of Behavioral Variant Frontotemporal Dementia and Young-Onset Alzheimer's Disease. Journal of Alzheimer's disease : JAD, 77(3), 1169–1180. End Stage Clinical Features and Cause of Death of Behavioral Variant Frontotemporal…","url":"https://doi.org/10.3233/JAD-200337"},{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"Justin, B. N., Turek, M., & Hakim, A. M. (2013). Heart disease as a risk factor for dementia. Clinical epidemiology, 5, 135–145. Heart disease as a risk factor for dementia","url":"https://doi.org/10.2147/CLEP.S30621"},{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"End-of-Life Care for People With Dementia. (n.d.). National Institute on Aging. National Institute on Aging","url":"https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/end-life-care-people-dementia"}],"inLanguage":"en-US","datePublished":"2023-03-30T09:09:44Z","dateModified":"2025-09-08T11:15:38Z","author":[{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/elizabeth-michael#person"}],"image":{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/signs-death-is-near-in-dementia-patients#primaryimage"}},{"@type":"MedicalWebPage","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/signs-death-is-near-in-dementia-patients#webpage","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/signs-death-is-near-in-dementia-patients","name":"10 Signs Death Is Near in Dementia Patients","description":"When someone has severe dementia it can be very upsetting. Read here if you want to find out how to know when a person with dementia is nearing the end.","inLanguage":"en-US","isPartOf":{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/#website"},"breadcrumb":{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/signs-death-is-near-in-dementia-patients#breadcrumb"},"mainEntity":{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/signs-death-is-near-in-dementia-patients#article"},"relatedLink":["https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/why-dementia-patients-sleep-so-much","https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/paranoia-and-delusions-in-dementia-patients","https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/dementia","https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/antidepressants-risk-of-dementia","https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/are-people-with-dementia-aware-of-their-condition","https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/natalie-staats-reiss"],"publisher":{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/#organization"},"medicalAudience":{"@type":"MedicalAudience","audienceType":"General public"},"datePublished":"2023-03-30T09:09:44Z","dateModified":"2025-09-08T11:15:38Z","lastReviewed":"2023-03-30","primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/signs-death-is-near-in-dementia-patients#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/signs-death-is-near-in-dementia-patients#primaryimage"},"reviewedBy":{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/morgan-blair#person"}}]},"representations":{"html":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/signs-death-is-near-in-dementia-patients","json":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/data/library/signs-death-is-near-in-dementia-patients.json","jsonLd":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/data/library/signs-death-is-near-in-dementia-patients.ld.json"},"$schema":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/data/page.schema.json","images":[{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/wordpress/20542.png","alt":"","width":22,"height":22},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/wordpress/3070.jpg","alt":"","width":22,"height":22},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/library/editorial-12825.webp","alt":"An older woman closes her eyes in an autumn park.","width":1200,"height":800},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/wordpress/9442.jpg","alt":"","width":64,"height":64},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/library/editorial-17014.webp","alt":"","width":48,"height":48}],"sections":[{"id":"key-takeaways","title":"Key takeaways","level":2,"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/signs-death-is-near-in-dementia-patients#key-takeaways"},{"id":"what-is-dementia","title":"What is dementia?","level":2,"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/signs-death-is-near-in-dementia-patients#what-is-dementia"},{"id":"types-of-dementia","title":"Types of dementia","level":3,"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/signs-death-is-near-in-dementia-patients#types-of-dementia"},{"id":"alzheimer-s-disease-2","title":"Alzheimer’s disease","level":3,"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/signs-death-is-near-in-dementia-patients#alzheimer-s-disease-2"},{"id":"vascular-dementia-2","title":"Vascular dementia","level":3,"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/signs-death-is-near-in-dementia-patients#vascular-dementia-2"},{"id":"lewy-body-dementia-lbd","title":"Lewy body dementia (LBD)","level":3,"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/signs-death-is-near-in-dementia-patients#lewy-body-dementia-lbd"},{"id":"frontotemporal-dementia-2","title":"Frontotemporal dementia","level":3,"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/signs-death-is-near-in-dementia-patients#frontotemporal-dementia-2"},{"id":"what-are-10-signs-death-is-near-in-people-with-dementia","title":"What are 10 signs death is near in people with dementia?","level":2,"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/signs-death-is-near-in-dementia-patients#what-are-10-signs-death-is-near-in-people-with-dementia"},{"id":"what-does-the-final-stage-of-dementia-look-like","title":"What does the final stage of dementia look like?","level":2,"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/signs-death-is-near-in-dementia-patients#what-does-the-final-stage-of-dementia-look-like"},{"id":"alzheimer-s-disease","title":"Alzheimer’s disease","level":3,"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/signs-death-is-near-in-dementia-patients#alzheimer-s-disease"},{"id":"vascular-dementia","title":"Vascular dementia","level":3,"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/signs-death-is-near-in-dementia-patients#vascular-dementia"},{"id":"lewy-body-dementia","title":"Lewy body dementia","level":3,"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/signs-death-is-near-in-dementia-patients#lewy-body-dementia"},{"id":"frontotemporal-dementia","title":"Frontotemporal dementia","level":3,"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/signs-death-is-near-in-dementia-patients#frontotemporal-dementia"},{"id":"how-does-dementia-cause-death","title":"How does dementia cause death?","level":2,"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/signs-death-is-near-in-dementia-patients#how-does-dementia-cause-death"},{"id":"preparing-for-late-stage-dementia","title":"How to prepare for your loved onee's final stage of dementia","level":2,"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/signs-death-is-near-in-dementia-patients#preparing-for-late-stage-dementia"},{"id":"references-2","title":"References","level":2,"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/signs-death-is-near-in-dementia-patients#references-2"},{"id":"medical-content","title":"Medical Content","level":2,"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/signs-death-is-near-in-dementia-patients#medical-content"},{"id":"about-mentalhealth-com","title":"About MentalHealth.com","level":2,"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/signs-death-is-near-in-dementia-patients#about-mentalhealth-com"},{"id":"elizabeth-michael","title":"Elizabeth Michael","level":3,"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/signs-death-is-near-in-dementia-patients#elizabeth-michael"},{"id":"morgan-blair","title":"Morgan Blair","level":3,"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/signs-death-is-near-in-dementia-patients#morgan-blair"}],"references":[{"number":1,"id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/signs-death-is-near-in-dementia-patients#dementia-australia","text":"About dementia. (n.d.). Dementia Australia.","links":[]},{"number":2,"id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/signs-death-is-near-in-dementia-patients#dementia-pharmacists-need-know","text":"Duong, S., Patel, T., & Chang, F. (2017). Dementia: What pharmacists need to know. Canadian pharmacists journal : CPJ = Revue des pharmaciens du Canada : RPC, 150(2), 118–129. Dementia","links":[{"url":"https://doi.org/10.1177/1715163517690745","label":"Dementia"}],"url":"https://doi.org/10.1177/1715163517690745"},{"number":3,"id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/signs-death-is-near-in-dementia-patients#alzheimers-society","text":"How to know when a person with dementia is nearing the end of their life. (2021, September 3). Alzheimer’s Society. alzheimers.org.uk","links":[{"url":"https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/help-dementia-care/recognising-when-someone-reaching-end-their-life","label":"alzheimers.org.uk"}],"url":"https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/help-dementia-care/recognising-when-someone-reaching-end-their-life"},{"number":4,"id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/signs-death-is-near-in-dementia-patients#alzheimers-disease-dementia","text":"Stages of Alzheimer’s. (n.d.). Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia. Alzheimer’s Association","links":[{"url":"https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/stages","label":"Alzheimer’s Association"}],"url":"https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/stages"},{"number":5,"id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/signs-death-is-near-in-dementia-patients#dementech-neurosciences","text":"What Are the 7 Stages of Vascular Dementia?(2022, December 21). Dementech Neurosciences. dementech.com","links":[{"url":"https://dementech.com/2022/06/28/what-are-the-7-stages-of-vascular-dementia/","label":"dementech.com"}],"url":"https://dementech.com/2022/06/28/what-are-the-7-stages-of-vascular-dementia/"},{"number":6,"id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/signs-death-is-near-in-dementia-patients#end-life-experiences-dementia-lewy-bodies-qualitative-interviews-former","text":"Armstrong, M. J., Alliance, S., Taylor, A., Corsentino, P., & Galvin, J. E. (2019). End-of-life experiences in dementia with Lewy bodies: Qualitative interviews with former caregivers. PloS one, 14(5), e0217039. End-of-life experiences in dementia with Lewy bodies","links":[{"url":"https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0217039","label":"End-of-life experiences in dementia with Lewy bodies"}],"url":"https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0217039"},{"number":7,"id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/signs-death-is-near-in-dementia-patients#end-stage-clinical-features-cause-death-behavioral-variant-frontotemporal","text":"an Engelen, M. E., Gossink, F. T., de Vijlder, L. S., Meursing, J. R. A., Scheltens, P., Dols, A., & Pijnenburg, Y. A. L. (2020). End Stage Clinical Features and Cause of Death of Behavioral Variant Frontotemporal Dementia and Young-Onset Alzheimer's Disease. Journal of Alzheimer's disease : JAD, 77(3), 1169–1180. End Stage Clinical Features and Cause of Death of Behavioral Variant Frontotemporal…","links":[{"url":"https://doi.org/10.3233/JAD-200337","label":"End Stage Clinical Features and Cause of Death of Behavioral Variant Frontotemporal…"}],"url":"https://doi.org/10.3233/JAD-200337"},{"number":8,"id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/signs-death-is-near-in-dementia-patients#heart-disease-risk-factor-dementia","text":"Justin, B. N., Turek, M., & Hakim, A. M. (2013). Heart disease as a risk factor for dementia. Clinical epidemiology, 5, 135–145. Heart disease as a risk factor for dementia","links":[{"url":"https://doi.org/10.2147/CLEP.S30621","label":"Heart disease as a risk factor for dementia"}],"url":"https://doi.org/10.2147/CLEP.S30621"},{"number":9,"id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/signs-death-is-near-in-dementia-patients#national-institute-aging","text":"End-of-Life Care for People With Dementia. (n.d.). National Institute on Aging. National Institute on Aging","links":[{"url":"https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/end-life-care-people-dementia","label":"National Institute on Aging"}],"url":"https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/end-life-care-people-dementia"}],"relatedReading":[],"links":[{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/","label":"Home"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library","label":"Library"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/medical-conditions","label":"Medical Conditions"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/elizabeth-michael","label":"Elizabeth Michael"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/morgan-blair","label":"Morgan Blair"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/dementia","label":"Dementia"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/signs-death-is-near-in-dementia-patients#dementia-australia","label":"[1]"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/signs-death-is-near-in-dementia-patients#dementia-australia","label":"[1]"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/signs-death-is-near-in-dementia-patients#dementia-australia","label":"[1]"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/signs-death-is-near-in-dementia-patients#dementia-pharmacists-need-know","label":"[2]"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/causes-of-alzheimers-disease","label":"Alzheimer’s disease"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/symptoms-effects-of-dementia","label":"bouts of aggression"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/signs-death-is-near-in-dementia-patients#dementia-pharmacists-need-know","label":"[2]"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/signs-death-is-near-in-dementia-patients#alzheimers-society","label":"[3]"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/signs-death-is-near-in-dementia-patients#alzheimers-disease-dementia","label":"[4]"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/signs-death-is-near-in-dementia-patients#dementia-pharmacists-need-know","label":"[2]"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/signs-death-is-near-in-dementia-patients#end-life-experiences-dementia-lewy-bodies-qualitative-interviews-former","label":"[6]"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/signs-death-is-near-in-dementia-patients#end-stage-clinical-features-cause-death-behavioral-variant-frontotemporal","label":"[7]"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/signs-death-is-near-in-dementia-patients#end-stage-clinical-features-cause-death-behavioral-variant-frontotemporal","label":"[7]"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/signs-death-is-near-in-dementia-patients#heart-disease-risk-factor-dementia","label":"[8]"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/signs-death-is-near-in-dementia-patients#heart-disease-risk-factor-dementia","label":"[8]"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/common-dementia-questions","label":"Whilst there is no cure"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/signs-death-is-near-in-dementia-patients#end-life-experiences-dementia-lewy-bodies-qualitative-interviews-former","label":"[6]"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/signs-death-is-near-in-dementia-patients#end-life-experiences-dementia-lewy-bodies-qualitative-interviews-former","label":"[6]"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/signs-death-is-near-in-dementia-patients#national-institute-aging","label":"[9]"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/signs-death-is-near-in-dementia-patients#national-institute-aging","label":"[9]"},{"url":"https://doi.org/10.1177/1715163517690745","label":"Dementia"},{"url":"https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/help-dementia-care/recognising-when-someone-reaching-end-their-life","label":"alzheimers.org.uk"},{"url":"https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/stages","label":"Alzheimer’s Association"},{"url":"https://dementech.com/2022/06/28/what-are-the-7-stages-of-vascular-dementia/","label":"dementech.com"},{"url":"https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0217039","label":"End-of-life experiences in dementia with Lewy bodies"},{"url":"https://doi.org/10.3233/JAD-200337","label":"End Stage Clinical Features and Cause of Death of Behavioral Variant Frontotemporal…"},{"url":"https://doi.org/10.2147/CLEP.S30621","label":"Heart disease as a risk factor for dementia"},{"url":"https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/end-life-care-people-dementia","label":"National Institute on Aging"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/clinical-affairs","label":"The Clinical Affairs Team"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/publishing/editorial-policy","label":"Editorial Policy"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/elizabeth-michael","label":"Elizabeth Michael"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/morgan-blair","label":"Morgan Blair"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/natalie-staats-reiss","label":"Natalie Staats Reiss Ph.D."},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/natalie-staats-reiss","label":"View experience"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/community/medical-conditions","label":"Explore community"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/signs-death-is-near-in-dementia-patients#what-is-dementia","label":"What is dementia?"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/signs-death-is-near-in-dementia-patients#what-are-10-signs-death-is-near-in-people-with-dementia","label":"What are 10 signs death is near in people with dementia?"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/signs-death-is-near-in-dementia-patients#what-does-the-final-stage-of-dementia-look-like","label":"What does the final stage of dementia look like?"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/signs-death-is-near-in-dementia-patients#how-does-dementia-cause-death","label":"How does dementia cause death?"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/signs-death-is-near-in-dementia-patients#preparing-for-late-stage-dementia","label":"Preparing for late-stage dementia"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/natalie-staats-reiss","label":"Natalie Staats Reiss Ph.D."},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/natalie-staats-reiss","label":"View experience"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/community/medical-conditions","label":"Explore community"}],"seo":{"title":"10 Signs Death Is Near in Dementia Patients | MentalHealth.com","description":"When someone has severe dementia it can be very upsetting. Read here if you want to find out how to know when a person with dementia is nearing the end.","canonical":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/signs-death-is-near-in-dementia-patients","robots":"index,follow","socialImage":{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/social-tiles-20261006-dots/library.png","width":1200,"height":630,"alt":"MentalHealth.com — Library","type":"image/png","sitemapGroup":"library"}},"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Home","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/"},{"name":"Library","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library"},{"name":"Medical Conditions","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/medical-conditions"},{"name":"10 Signs Death Is Near in Dementia Patients","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/signs-death-is-near-in-dementia-patients"}],"subjectMatterExpert":{"name":"Natalie Staats Reiss, Ph.D.","url":"/people/natalie-staats-reiss","profileId":"6390","topic":"aging","focus":"Older adults and caregivers","selectionBasis":"Documented expertise in the existing published profile","reviewAttribution":false},"keyTakeaways":["Advanced dementia can involve profound dependence, reduced responsiveness, and difficulties eating, swallowing, or moving.","Complications such as infections and poor intake can contribute to declining health, but the course varies between individuals.","Advance care planning and palliative or hospice support can prioritize comfort while also supporting family caregivers."],"introduction":{"html":"It can be extremely difficult to see your loved one suffering with late-stage dementia. Coming to terms with their eventual passing can be hard to process. However, recognizing the signs of approaching death for dementia sufferers can help you cope with what is to come.","text":"It can be extremely difficult to see your loved one suffering with late-stage dementia. Coming to terms with their eventual passing can be hard to process. However, recognizing the signs of approaching death for dementia sufferers can help you cope with what is to come.","sourceField":"hero"},"navigation":[{"label":"What is dementia?","href":"#what-is-dementia","heading":"What is dementia?"},{"label":"What are 10 signs death is near in people with dementia?","href":"#what-are-10-signs-death-is-near-in-people-with-dementia","heading":"What are 10 signs death is near in people with dementia?"},{"label":"What does the final stage of dementia look like?","href":"#what-does-the-final-stage-of-dementia-look-like","heading":"What does the final stage of dementia look like?"},{"label":"How does dementia cause death?","href":"#how-does-dementia-cause-death","heading":"How does dementia cause death?"},{"label":"Preparing for late-stage dementia","href":"#preparing-for-late-stage-dementia","heading":"How to prepare for your loved onee's final stage of dementia"}],"relatedCommunity":{"community":"/community/medical-conditions","basis":"topic match"},"referencePresentation":"Numbered author–date bibliography with linked source documents; n.d. denotes unavailable publication date.","collections":[]}