The Last Stage of Alzheimer's: What You Need to Know | Brain Talks | Being Patient

What happens in the final weeks and months of Alzheimer’s? For many families, the end stage of dementia is shrouded in mystery and fear. In this "Brain Talk," Being Patient founder Deborah Kan speaks with end-of-life care expert Dr. Liz Sampson and Jasja Kotterman, who shares the powerful story of her own mother’s passing. Together, they provide a roadmap for what to expect, how to manage pain, and how to find peace in the final chapter. What You’ll Learn: Physical Changes: Understanding the biological process of the brain in the final stage. Pain Management: How to tell if your loved one is in pain when they can no longer speak. Difficult Decisions: Navigating hospice, morphine, and hospital stays. The Power of Connection: Can a loved one in the late stages still understand you? The Signs: Recognizing the clinical signs that death is approaching. Read Jasja Kotterman's article: https://www.beingpatient.com/alzheime... — Table of Contents 00:00 Introduction 01:04 Jasja Kotterman's article about her mother's end-of-life experience 02:00 What happens in the brain when someone dies of Alzheimer's? 05:26 A caregiver perspective on last stage of Alzheimer's 10:18 Morphine and preparing for death 12:36 Questions to ask your doctor about the end stage of Alzheimer’s 15:27 Pain and the final stage of Alzheimer's 16:49 Can loved ones with late-stage dementia understand what we're saying? 18:50 Late-stage dementia and community-based care 21:31 Signs of death approaching in dementia 23:33 Dementia care and hospital stays 25:22 Common questions about the final stage of Alzheimer's 26:45 How to approach end-of-life discussions 32:32 Preparing for the final stage of Alzheimer’s 35:45 Dr. Liz Sampson on Jasja Kotterman's Being Patient article 38:48 Wrapping up If you loved watching this Live Talk, visit our website to find more of our Alzheimer’s coverage and subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.beingpatient.com/ Follow Being Patient: Twitter:   / being_patient_   Instagram:   / beingpatientvoices   Facebook:   / beingpatientalzheimers   LinkedIn:   / being-patient   Being Patient is an editorially independent journalism outlet for news and reporting about brain health, cognitive science, and neurodegenerative diseases. In our Live Talk series on Facebook, former Wall Street Journal Editor and founder of Being Patient, Deborah Kan, interviews brain health experts and people living with dementia. Check out our latest Live Talks: https://www.beingpatient.com/category...