Later stages
As Alzheimer’s progresses, problems with memory loss, communication, reasoning and orientation become more severe. The person will need more day-to-day support from those who care for them.
Some people start to believe things that are untrue (delusions) or – less often – see or hear things which are not really there (hallucinations).
Many people with Alzheimer’s also develop behaviours that seem unusual or out of character. These include agitation (eg restlessness or pacing), calling out, repeating the same question, disturbed sleep patterns or reacting aggressively. Such behaviours can be distressing or challenging for the person and their carer. They may require separate treatment and management to memory problems.
In the later stages of Alzheimer’s disease someone may become much less aware of what is happening around them. They may have difficulties eating or walking without help, and become increasingly frail. Eventually, the person will need help with all their daily activities.
How quickly Alzheimer’s disease progresses, and the life expectancy of someone with it, vary greatly. On average, people with Alzheimer’s disease live for eight to ten years after the first symptoms. However, this varies a lot, depending particularly on how old the person was when they first developed Alzheimer’s. For more information see factsheet 458, The progression of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias and factsheet 417, The later stages of dementia.