A loss of appetite and difficulty eating are common symptoms in the later stages of dementia. How long a person can live without eating or drinking properly varies, but this period may last days to weeks.
Dementia refers to a group of neurocognitive conditions that can permanently damage the brain. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type, accounting for a majority of dementia cases.
Many people living with the later stages of dementia may not eat or drink. They may also develop dysphagia, which prevents them from swallowing effectively. How long someone can live without food and liquids varies, but doctors believe that sufficient end of life care may help improve their quality of life.
This article explains why someone living with dementia may stop eating and drinking. It also suggests ways carers can support them.
There are many reasons someone may stop eating and drinking. As a neurocognitive disorder progresses, most people become less active and do not need to consume as many calories.
According to the National Foundation of Swallowing Disorders, at least 45% of people living with dementia also experience dysphagia, which refers to difficulty swallowing. This can cause a person to be unable to consume adequate nutrition and liquids.
People living with dementia
Another reason may be that the damage in the brain has spread to the hypothalamus, the area that
Age can also play a part as the muscles involved in swallowing lose mass, resulting in a loss of strength and range of motion. The person may feel as if they are choking on food or cannot move it out of their mouth.
No one can say for sure how long someone can survive without eating or drinking, as it involves many factors. These include the person’s age, overall health, and how well their immune system can fight infections.
If someone has dysphagia, this can indicate that their neurocognitive disorder is progressing, as dysphagia usually occurs in the later stages. This increases the risk of a person inhaling food or liquid,
While it is impossible to predict exactly how long someone can live without eating or drinking, having dysphagia can mark the beginning of
A person displaying symptoms of later stages of dementia may live with these symptoms for many months. However, if they begin to show symptoms of the dying process, they may be within a few days or hours of dying.
However, these doctors need to administer these treatments in a medical setting, and many people with a neurocognitive disorder find the experience distressing. Some individuals may try to remove the tubes.
Doctors do not agree about recommending ANH for people living with late stage dementia as it is unclear whether it provides any overall benefits.
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association notes that tube feeding does not improve the quality of life of a person with a diagnosis of dementia. Additionally, it states that tube feeding does not reduce their risk of developing a chest infection.
The Alzheimer’s Association recommends people living with a neurocognitive disorder plan their late stage care while they can still express themselves and make decisions. This can include whether or not they want ANH.
When someone living with dementia is nearing death, they tend to deteriorate more rapidly. They may develop incontinence and agitation.
According to the United Kingdom’s Alzheimer’s Society, signs that death is near for someone living with dementia include:
- loss of consciousness
- irregular breathing
- restlessness
- a rattly sound in the chest
- cold hands and feet
Doctors recommend helping someone eat and drink for as long as they can, even if they eat in small amounts. The Alzheimer’s Association suggests:
- offering soft foods
- thickening liquids with cornstarch or unflavored gelatin
- alternating bites of food with sips of drink
- offering sherbet or ice cream
- serving finger food if someone has difficulties using cutlery
- helping the person sit in an upright and comfortable position
Some answers to common questions about eating, drinking, and end stage dementia may include:
How long is the end of life when not eating or drinking dementia?
Many different factors can influence how long a person can live when they experience problems eating or drinking due to dementia. If they discontinue eating or drinking, a person may be able to live for a few days. However, end of life care may be able to extend this period significantly.
What are the signs of end stage dementia?
The symptoms of end stage dementia can vary. They may include significant difficulties with daily living, communication problems, trouble with movement, difficulty swallowing, and hallucinations.
What stage of dementia is not wanting to eat?
A loss of appetite or experiencing problems with eating are typically more prevalent with end stage dementia.
How do you know when a person with dementia is ready for hospice?
A person may consider contacting a hospice professional if an individual with dementia begins to display symptoms that make it difficult to care for them effectively. This may include difficulty with daily activities, such as eating, bathing, and dressing, and problems with communication, incontinence, and movement.
Many people living with a neurocognitive disorder may stop eating and drinking. This may be due to infections, but it may also result from individuals experiencing swallowing difficulties.
Swallowing difficulties, or dysphagia, often indicate that the person’s neurocognitive disorder is progressing and may have reached the later stages.
Doctors believe that the person’s body adjusts to the reduced food and liquid intake and that people do not feel hunger or thirst.
Swallowing difficulties increase the risk of inhaling food particles or fluids, which can lead to chest infections, including pneumonia.