Disorders that cause dementia damage the brain and body, eventually leading to the loss of crucial bodily functions or complications that can lead to death.

The term “dementia” refers to the gradual loss of several cognitive, or thinking, abilities. Over time, people with dementia lose the ability to remember, communicate effectively, and use reasoning skills to function in their daily lives.

That said, dementia isn’t a single disorder. It’s a blanket term that includes many progressive brain diseases, such as:

Sometimes, people may die from the condition itself. In other cases, it happens due to complications.

This article explains how progressive brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s cause death. It also discusses ways to care for people who may be in the later stages of a progressive brain disease.

Dementia disorders damage cells that carry out important functions throughout the brain, nervous system, and body. As the disorder progresses, it becomes more likely that someone will develop life threatening complications.

In fact, the National Institute on Aging says that the number of deaths linked to dementia may be up to three times higher than is reported on death certificates in the United States.

Researchers are still trying to understand the causes of dementia. All types originate in specific regions of the brain, killing cells over time and spreading to nearby areas.

For example, Alzheimer’s starts in the hippocampus and gradually affects memory, personality, and decision making. Then, in later stages, it can affect basic bodily functions like heart rate, which can lead to death.

That said, people with dementia often die from complications. According to research, the most common cause of death in people with dementia is pneumonia, especially aspiration pneumonia.

Other serious complications of dementia may include:

With any of these complications, if they are severe enough, death is possible.

Experts commonly divide dementia into three stages: early, middle, and late. These stages are progressive, meaning they worsen with time.

How fast each person moves through the stages has a lot to do with their individual health and the cause of their condition.

Generally, however, research suggests that the median survival time for people diagnosed with dementia is about 5 years for women and 4 years for men.

The ideal time to plan for late stage care is when the person with dementia can still participate in the decision making process.

However, even if the person with dementia and their caregivers communicated clearly while the disease was in its early stages, things can change. Symptoms can progress more or less quickly, and resources may dwindle.

Here are a few things to keep in mind if you are caring for someone in late stage dementia:

You’ll probably need to build a support network

Caring for someone with late stage dementia can be intense, demanding, and rewarding — all in a single day. You’ll be better equipped for the challenge if you can call on a varied group of support providers.

Nurses, doctors, home health aides, physical and occupational therapists, and hospice workers can help you take care of your physical and medical needs. Mental health professionals, members of a faith community, and friends can help you meet emotional, social, and spiritual needs.

You’ll need support for yourself, too

The National Institute on Aging points out that caregivers can experience confusion, depression, anxiety, fatigue, and grief at times. It’s a good idea to plan regular times for others to take over caregiving responsibilities so you can take care of your own needs and experience some respite and relief.

Consider palliative care and hospice as part of the process

Palliative care addresses the overall well-being of people with chronic illnesses like progressive brain disorders and dementia.

Note that palliative care and end-of-life hospice care are not the same thing. Hospice services can ease the transition to end-of-life care, supplying equipment and treatments that bring greater comfort and make it easier to care for a person in this stage.

Dementia is not a disease. It’s a decline in the ability to reason, communicate, remember, and function in life. While dementia itself can cause death eventually, people will typically die of complications.

There’s no cure yet for the progressive brain disorders that cause dementia. Over time, symptoms will become more severe, and people will need more help caring for themselves. For that reason, it’s important to make plans and build a support network to meet their changing long-term needs.