can Alzheimer's disease kill?

Answer 1

Yes. The brain basically deteriorates.

Answer 2

Sadly the answer is yes. The brain deteriorates along with its functionality as the disease progresses and as the person goes through the various stages of the disease, their general health deteriorates also. Since the CNS controls all the bodies functions at some level or other, complications arising from Alzheimer's, pneumonia being a prime one, usually results in death.

As mentioned in an earlier answer, there are drugs on the market that are proving that the progress of the disease can be slowed down, but unfortunately the powers that be are a long way off from finding a cure at the moment.

Answer 3

Alzheimer's disease is a pregressive brain disorder that begins with memory loss and eventually leads to dementia and death. It targets a part of the brain called the hippocampus, which is the seat of memory and intellect. In a person with Alzheimer's the neurons in the hippocampus become entangled. The resulting formations, often called plaque, result in the loss of brain cells, especially those that make new memories and retrive old ones. And memory problems characterise the symptoms of Alzheimer's. In the beginning stages of the disease, people will experience some mild memory problems. They may struggle with complex tasks like planning a party or balancing a cheque-book. As the disease progresses, it becomes increasingly difficult to remember events that occurred very recently - say, the day before, or even just a few hours prior to the present time. Memory loss at this point looks more and more like dementia: affected people may not recognise others close to them or be able to recall appropriate words. Eventually, complete dementia sets in. Personal memories disappear and, with them, the ability to recognise beloved people and places. Functional memories also become irretrievable. The person forgets how to perform daily functions, which include getting dressed, brushing the teeth, and using the toilet. Hallucinations or episodes of violence often attend this stage of the disease. At this point, it is rarely possible for a family member or a close friend to look after the sufferer, who needs 24 hour a day care. As for how it kills you.. all I can say is that if you see the brain of a dementia sufferer after an autopsy, the thing has just turned to mush. A mushy brain can't run a body, I suppose.

Answer 4

Yes. It is a progressive disease that ends up with muscle contractures and brain dysfunction. It kills every time. Although it takes years to do it. The end stage is bed ridden. The patient is unable to communicate or move. It is a sad heart wrenching disease for both patient and family.

There are new medications that show promise in slowing or hopefully stopping the progression.

Answer 5

Yes of course, it causes complications with the rest of your body. Its like Regan who got Pneumonia as a result of a complication of Alzheimer's disease.

Answer 6

As I understand it, AD isn't directly fatal. But as the brain deteriorates, the person forgets how to do more and more vital tasks. When you can't eat anymore, you'll starve unless someone feeds you. When you are force-fed, you don't remember to swallow so you choke and/or aspirate the food into your lungs (causing pneumonia). Eventually you forget how to breathe.

Answer 7

yes it is a progressive, degenerative disease. Eventually enough brain cells die to where the person will die (that part of the brain that regulates breathing, heart rate, dies). But usually something else "kills" the person before that point: stroke, heart attack, pneumonia, etc.

Answer 8

no but some patients don wana live because of the disease

Answer 9

Yes.

Answer 10

can't kill you physically but it can kill you mentally and emotionally for those who love you