20/08/2026
No handbook can prepare you for every stage of dementia.
It affects everyone differently, and it can be very difficult to predict how long someone will live.
But understanding some of the changes that can happen towards the end of a person's life may help families feel more prepared and supported.
In the later stages of dementia, you may notice changes such as:
Increased sleeping - A person with dementia may find it quite exhausting to do relatively simple tasks like communicating, eating or trying to understand what is going on around them.
Difficulty eating and drinking - A person may eat less, drink less, or have difficulty swallowing.
Changed communication - Speech may be limited to a few words or phrases that may not make sense. They may also have a limited understanding of what is being said to them.
Movement becomes harder - Many people become less mobile and may eventually need support with all daily activities. They may be unable to walk or stand, problems sitting up and becoming bed-bound.
Decline in overall health - They may have other problems such as being very frail, having infections that keep coming back, or pressure ulcers (bedsores).
Recognising these signs can help families seek support, understand what is happening, and ensure the person's care needs are being met.
