What are signs that a patient with advanced Alzheimer's may be approaching end of life?

The signs that a patient with advanced Alzheimer's may be approaching the end of life typically include increased sleep, decreased food intake, and withdrawal from social interactions. As the disease progresses, a decline in physical and cognitive functions often leads to significant changes in behavior and physiological needs.

Increased sleep indicates that the body may be entering a state of reduced consciousness and energy expenditure. Decreased food intake is common as the body begins to shut down, with the patient often losing interest in eating and drinking. Withdrawal from social interactions signifies a lack of engagement with their surroundings, which can be both a cognitive decline and a natural response to nearing the end stages of life.

In contrast, behaviors such as constant restlessness and excessive talking are generally not indicative of end-of-life phases but rather reflect agitation or discomfort, which can occur in various contexts. Renewed interest in physical activities and increased appetite with social engagement are usually not consistent with the final stages of Alzheimer's, as patients tend to lose interest in such activities as their condition worsens.