Alzheimer’s disease may cause cognitive complications like severe memory loss, mental health complications like depression, and physical complications like reduced mobility.
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive disease that affects memory and cognitive function. It’s the most common type of dementia, affecting
In the early stages of AD, you or someone you know may experience symptoms like short-term memory loss and confusion that may start to affect daily tasks.
As the condition progresses and brain damage becomes more severe, cognitive decline may lead to complications that affect your psychological, physical, and social well-being.
Keep reading to learn more about the complications of AD and how to manage them if you’re caring for someone with AD.
In the later stages of AD, it’s
As cognitive decline progresses, you may notice that it’s becoming more difficult to communicate with others, remember people’s names, and understand certain situations, leading to feelings of fear and agitation.
If you experience these feelings, it’s important to know that you’re not alone.
Consider speaking with a family member, friend, or caregiver about how you’re feeling and what it is you want. This could help others understand your feelings and provide the help you need.
If you’re caring for someone with AD, start by providing a safe environment and removing any stressors that may cause agitation, such as loud noises. Consider taking steps to make sure their pain, hunger, and thirst levels remain at a comfortable level.
Learn more about caring for someone with AD.
Bladder problems like urinary incontinence and bowel problems like diarrhea and constipation are common complications of AD, according to the
As AD progresses, you may no longer recognize the sensation of needing to use the bathroom. You may also be unable to respond quickly to urges, which may result from limited mobility or limited communication skills.
It’s also possible to become confused and use the restroom in inappropriate places.
If you’re providing care for a loved one with AD, remind them to use the bathroom and offer help when possible.
You can also make it easier for them to get to the bathroom on their own. Make sure they can easily remove clothing and install night lights to ensure they get to the bathroom safely at night.
If mobility is restricted, they may appreciate a commode near their bed or undergarments for incontinence.
A 2024 review found that around
According to the Alzheimer’s Society, depression in dementia may occur as people with AD find it more difficult to cope with symptoms of cognitive decline.
For instance, as people with AD may have more difficulty communicating with others or participating in social events, they may begin to withdraw socially, feel hopeless, and isolate themselves. If this is something you’re experiencing, you’re not alone.
Depression may also occur as a result of the condition’s effect on the brain or as a side effect of other factors, such as taking certain medications.
Symptoms of depression can be similar to the general symptoms of AD, which can make it difficult to determine whether your loved one is experiencing depression or just the normal symptoms of AD.
Consider speaking with a healthcare professional if you or a loved one is experiencing depression. They could help develop a treatment plan that may include lifestyle changes and medications.
According to the Alzheimer’s Society, as AD progresses, it may gradually affect mobility, balance, and coordination.
This may increase your risk of falling, which could lead to head trauma and broken bones.
You may also experience more difficulty walking and standing up, which means you’re more likely to stay sedentary for longer periods. This could increase your risk of developing bedsores and conditions characterized by muscle weakness, such as joint contractures and muscle spasticity.
If you or a loved one experience restricted mobility, consider using a walking aid to help maintain your balance.
You can also help reduce a loved one’s risk of falling by assisting them as they walk and ensuring pathways are clear in their home. You can suggest getting a medical alert device so they can contact emergency services if they fall and can’t get to a phone.
AD may gradually weaken your immune system, according to the
If you notice symptoms like coughing, stuffy nose, and sore throat, speak with a healthcare professional. They could help provide a proper diagnosis and treatment plan to prevent further complications.
Wandering is another common complication of AD, according to the
This may include wandering around the home or a care home, but it may also include leaving the home and getting lost. Sometimes, people with AD wander from home at night when everyone is asleep.
Make sure your loved one wears a medical alert bracelet with:
- their name
- their address
- their phone number
- your contact information
You can also keep loved ones safe by installing an alarm system, deadbolts, and bells on the door.
AD may progressively lead to difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), which can make it more difficult to consume food and drinks.
This may increase your risk of developing complications like malnutrition, dehydration, and weight loss.
According to the Alzheimer’s Society, AD may progressively affect the sensations of thirst and hunger. This means someone with severe AD may not feel the need to drink water or eat despite being dehydrated or malnourished.
Severe memory loss may also affect your ability to remember drinking or eating.
If you’re providing care for a loved one, look out for the following symptoms of dehydration and malnutrition:
The Alzheimer’s Society recommends the following tips for people providing care to others with AD:
- prepare water-rich foods for them, such as soups
- provide them with a glass of water when they’re eating
- use a glass that’s comfortable for them
- provide them with different types of hydrating liquids, such as water, juice, and tea
What is the life expectancy of a person with Alzheimer’s?
A 2021 review of 63,125 people with dementia found that the average life expectancy for someone with AD was
That said, it’s important to remember that every individual’s outlook will vary greatly.
Can I prevent complications of Alzheimer’s?
There’s currently no cure for AD, but early diagnosis and treatment may help improve cognitive function and quality of life, as well as slow down disease progression.
Some ways to help slow the progression of AD may include:
- eating a well-balanced diet
- doing regular physical exercise
- exercising your brain, such as by reading, playing puzzle games, and learning
What happens as Alzheimer’s gets worse?
As AD worsens, cognitive decline may progressively affect your physical, social, and psychological well-being. This may cause symptoms like depression, wandering, reduced mobility, respiratory illnesses, agitation, and dehydration.
AD is a progressive condition characterized by cognitive decline, which may affect your physical, social, and psychological well-being.
Some complications may include difficulty eating and drinking, wandering, and an increased risk of falling.
Consider speaking with a healthcare professional if you have AD or you’re caring for someone with AD. They could help you develop the best treatment plan and support network.