People with Alzheimer’s disease can live anywhere from 2 to 20 years. When people are first diagnosed they often become depressed, anxious or agitated.
As the disease progresses people with Alzheimer's disease may become uncharacteristically aggressive. Over time people with dementia become less and less aware of their limitations.
The later stages of Alzheimer's are characterized by greater confusion, disorientation and dependency on others. Physical health often begins to deteriorate as activity levels decline and more time is spent sitting around or lying in bed.
Nursing home placement needs to be considered in late stage Alzheimer's because total nursing care will be required. Caregiving within the person's home, although prefered by most people often becomes impossible without great family and agency support.
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