Comfort Home Care

Maryland & Washington, D.C. In-Home Care Agency

Serving Montgomery County, Prince George's County and Washington, D.C.
Reviews
301-984-1401
Schedule a Free Consultation
  • Home
  • In-Home Care
    • Alzheimer’s / Dementia
    • Assisted Living Facility Care
    • End-of-life Care
    • Fall Prevention
    • Parkinson’s Disease
    • Respite In-Home Care
    • Senior In-home Care
    • Sick/Injured Recovery Care
    • Special Needs Care
  • Resources
    • Blog
    • Home Care FAQs
    • When Do You Need an Aide?
    • 14 Ways Comfort Home Care Is Different
    • 17 Signs That Your Loved One Needs At-Home Care
  • About
  • Careers
  • Areas Served
    • Barnesville
    • Bethesda
    • Brookeville
    • Chevy Chase
    • Gaithersburg
    • Garrett Park
    • Germantown
    • Glen Echo
    • Kensington
    • Laytonsville
    • Poolesville
    • Potomac
    • Rockville
    • Silver Spring
    • Somerset
    • Takoma Park
    • Washington, D.C.
    • Washington Grove
    • Hyattsville
    • College Park
    • Beltsville
    • Greenbelt
    • Laurel
    • Takoma Park
    • University Park
  • Contact Us

The Facts of Rapid Onset Dementia Life Expectancy

a dementia patient and her caregiver who knows about the rapid onset dementia life expectancyDementia refers to a group of conditions characterized by the loss of cognitive functioning, such as memory, thinking, and reasoning. For some individuals with this disease, the progression is slow, taking years to reach an advanced stage. However, for others, dementia can develop and progress rapidly. The speed of progression primarily depends on the underlying cause of the disease. If you have a loved one that has been diagnosed with rapid onset dementia, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure of the future. Learn more about the rapid onset dementia life expectancy and what steps you should take.

What is Rapid Onset Dementia?

Dementia can develop as a result of more than 40 different conditions. Rapid onset dementia occurs when the wasting away of brain tissue occurs faster than normal, resulting in more substantial damage in a short amount of time. Although there is no defined timeframe in which rapid onset dementia can occur, many professionals in this field describe it as when patients go from having normal cognition to dementia within one year or less. However, some types of dementia can take upwards of two years.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Rapid Onset Dementia?

Signs and symptoms of dementia can vary depending on the underlying cause. However, the most common signs include cognitive change, memory loss, difficulty with problem-solving or completing complex tasks, and confusion or disorientation. Many people with dementia will also experience psychological changes such as depression, anxiety, personality changes, paranoia, hallucinations, agitation, and inappropriate behavior. Some causes of rapid onset dementia can be treated and possibly reversed if a diagnosis can be found quickly enough. For other people with this disease, there is no cure and a progression of symptoms is unavoidable.

What is the Average Rapid Onset Dementia Life Expectancy?

Dementia is known for its gradual onset and slow progression. However, the condition does result in a reduced life expectancy. The average rapid onset dementia life expectancy ranges from 3 to 13 years after the onset or diagnosis. However, dementia suffers with rapid onset dementia may deteriorate much faster. Individuals with rapidly progressive dementia have an average life expectancy of 4 to 18 months after the time of diagnosis. To make this time as comfortable as possible for your loved one and to improve their quality of life, choosing an in-home care agency that offers special services for dementia can be highly beneficial.

The Benefits of an In-Home Care Agency

a patient with rapid onset dementia receiving help from an in-home care agencyFinding the time to care for a loved one with dementia can be challenging, especially when you have other responsibilities like work and family. By working with an in-home care agency, you and your loved one can reap the benefits of having a trained and experienced caregiver available when you are not able to be there. One of the biggest advantages of acquiring in-home care is your loved one’s ability to stay in the home. Remaining in a familiar environment often provides individuals with dementia with security and peace of mind.

Establishing Comfortable Routines

Many people with dementia find comfort in their routines. In the same way that staying at home can feel safe and soothing, following a routine schedule helps reduce confusion and anxiety. An in-home care provider can help people with dementia maintain a sense of normalcy by maintaining ingrained routines. This may include helping prepare breakfast at 7 AM each day or aiding with bathing or grooming in a specific order. While people with dementia may not be attuned to what they are doing as their condition progresses, having a routine can still be comforting.

Caregiver Support

Towards the end of life, people with dementia may experience a wide range of feelings, such as anger, frustration, depression, mood swings, and clinginess. It is not unusual for these individuals to lash out at the people around them or become angry at themselves. In-home caregivers have the knowledge and experience needed to help provide individuals with rapid onset dementia with a positive environment that focuses on the patient’s unique wants and needs. In addition, these caregivers are able to provide meaningful engagement and conversation that can have a positive effect on mental health.

In-Home Care Agency Services

Services offered by an in-home care agency may include, but are not limited to:

  • Bathing and grooming assistance
  • Walking assistance
  • Dressing assistance
  • Medication reminders
  • Meal preparation and diet monitoring
  • Shopping and errands
  • Light housekeeping
  • Conversation and companionship
  • Appointment transportation

Progressive Symptoms

It is important to understand that people with rapid onset dementia will need more intensive care in the weeks and months following their diagnosis. As their condition progresses, their mental functioning will experience a sharp decline which makes services like in-home care invaluable. While your loved one may require minimal supervision in the early stages of their disease, more advanced services will likely be required as they reach the middle stage. By the time they reach the late stage, they may exhibit extreme confusion and will likely have trouble communicating verbally. Mood and behavior may be unpredictable and some dementia patients will experience more severe symptoms like delusions and hallucinations.

Reaching the Final Stages

a caregiver holding the hands of a woman in her final stages of rapid onset dementiaAs the progression of dementia can be unpredictable, it is important to be prepared for whatever happens. There are several signs that may indicate that your loved one has reached the final stage of the disease. These signs may include the inability to move on their own, the inability to speak or talk in a way that others can understand, and needing assistance with nearly all daily activities. Some individuals with fast progressing dementia symptoms may also have trouble with eating, including difficulty swallowing foods.

Learn More About Rapid Onset Dementia

Caring for someone who has been diagnosed with rapid onset dementia can be physically and emotionally draining. It is not unusual for family caregivers to become depressed, especially when they are forced to cut back on work hours or leave their job altogether. Having professional care providers take over this responsibility can provide a great deal of relief. Learn more about rapid onset dementia by contacting an in-home care agency today.

Couples Care: Keeping Relationships Whole

Couples Care: Keeping Relationships Whole
One guide you might find helpful:

Selecting an in-home caregiver? Learn why couples care is an affordable solution for families.

In-Home Care Providers: Agency Vs. Independent Contractors

Agency Vs. Independent In-home Care Provider
One guide you might find helpful:

Selecting an in-home caregiver? Learn the basics about Agency Vs. Independent Contractors In-Home Care Providers.

Is it Time for In-Home Care

Is it Time for In-Home Care
One guide you might find helpful:

Need a to know when to use In-Home Care? Read our guide "Is it Time for In-Home Care"!

A Family Guide for In-Home Dementia Care

Family Guide for In-Home Dementia Care
One guide you might find helpful:

Need a guide for In-home dementia care? Read our family guide for In-home dementia care!

Coming Home From Rehab. Now what?

Coming Home From Rehab. Now what?
One guide you might find helpful:

Need to know what to do after coming home from rehab? Read our guide "Coming Home From Rehab. Now what?"!

The Changing Care Needs of Parkinson’s Disease Patients

The Changing Care Needs of Parkinson’s Disease Patients
One guide you might find helpful:

Need to know about the changing care needs of parkinson's disease ? Read our guide "The Changing Care Needs of Parkinson’s Disease Patients"!

Understanding Strokes and Recovery

Understanding Strokes and Recovery
One guide you might find helpful:

Need to know about the warning signs of strokes? Read our guide "Understanding Strokes and Recovery"!

Categories: Senior Health

Join Our Mailing List

Have A Question?

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Services: 301-984-7681

Get Our Free Guide on “How Do I Pick an In-Home Care Provider?”

Learns the ins and outs on how to pick a caregiver who will give you the best service for your loved one.

Click Here!

© Copyright 2016-2022 Comfort Home Care
All Rights Reserved

121 Congressional Lane, Suite 201 Rockville, MD 20852
4000 Albermarle St., NW, Suite LL15 Washington D.C., 20016
301-984-1401

During this period of uncertainty, we want you to know that we are here for you and your family!

Comfort Home care is an essential business and we will, therefore, be operating normal hours.

We take safety seriously and our professional caregivers will follow our strict protocols in addition to adhering with CDC, federal, state and local guidelines.

COVID-19 Policies (Read More)