How do people die from Alzheimer's?

I found this very short article this morning (posted after Gene Wilder's death from Alzheimer's) that explains what dying from complications due to Alzheimer's means. My father's complications, like several of the ones mentioned in the article, caused his death before his memory had completely faded:
http://www.livescience.com/55925-gene-wilder-alzheimers-death.html

Interesting read. Thanks for sharing, JaSanne! When the average person thinks of Alzheimer's, all they think of are the effects it has on one's memory. However, there are so many other more physical effects this disease has on the body. This article does a great job of informing readers that Alzheimer's is so much more than memory loss.

My 86 year old mom was recently diagnosed with advanced bladder cancer. My sister and I looked at each other and said great. Do we put her through hell to try and fix that so she can die a horrible death from Alzheimer's?

I have since learned a new term.... Instead of DNR (do not resuscitate) I learned about "AND" - Allow Natural Death.

JerryRosen, that's horrific.

It is true that in the very final stages of Alzheimer's, people can lose control of the muscles that regulate swallowing.

However, there are a whole range of alternatives that can be used to ensure a person gets nutrition.

If the swallowing deficit is minor, the person can have thickened fluids and a soft diet, with help and supervision with feeding.

If more serious, a nasogastric tube (tube inserted via the nose and leading to stomach) or PEG feed (tube inserted directly into stomach) can be used to provide a liquid meal with fortified with all nutrients.

The only justification for withholding food would be if it was absolutely clear that your grandfather would die imminently. Then the above measures might be seen as causing unnecessary suffering, or prolonging it.

If your grandfather was not in that situation, I can't see any justification for allowing him to starve. Maybe you should speak to a lawyer?

Elena