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I've copied this from about website, it seems to be a very good summary.

Once dementia has progressed to late-stage, death can generally be expected in 6 months to 1 year. Symptoms of late-stage dementia include:

Increased incidence of infections, such as urinary tract infections or pneumonia
Impaired motor functions including difficulty walking and moving, causing the individual to be bed- or chair-bound
Incontinence of bowel and bladder leading to full dependence on others for toileting and hygiene
Loss of the ability to communicate through words
Difficulty swallowing and eating, leading to weight loss and aspiration pneumonia
Loss of facial expression, including the ability to smile
Eventual inability to sit up or hold up one's head without assistance.

Death from Late-Stage Dementia

Many individuals with late-stage dementia die of a medical complication, such as pneumonia or another infection. However, dementia itself can be fatal. General wasting, malnutrition, and dehydration are real risks when an individual with dementia can no longer eat safely and move independently.
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There are typically 7 stages of Alzheimer's. My mom has Alzheimer's and I researched the stages myself last year to learn more about the disease. I suggest doing a google search on the stages because they slightly vary so one site may give info that's not on another. Some sites list only 5 stages. I liked the ones that had 7 (those seemed more specific. ) They also explain how long each stage can last. Of course, part of that depends on different factors too but still makes your understanding of the disease better. My mom has been in between stages 5 and 6 for over a year now, and I see every month she is almost completely out of stage 5 and totally in stage 6. Knowing the stages also helps you understand the different symptoms they can experience and helps you know how to respond to those situations. I had to learn since I am her primary caregiver and poa. The site I liked best is alz.org. Stage 7 is when their body starts to shut down because the brain cells that work with their eating, drinking, all their senses , etc. no longer work (they are dead.) It is not easy seeing a loved one go through this but having as much information and support as possible makes a big difference. I hope your experience isn't as difficult as mine has been. They don't all go through it the exact same way. God bless :)
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lauracares, pretty much bedridden and unable to swallow.
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