Legendary singer Tony Bennett, who died July 21 in New York at age 96, had a history of health problems over the years, culminating in his seven-year battle. It is the name of a mental disease.
Although no cause of death was given in Bennett’s obituary, her publicist, Sylvia Weiner, mentioned her 2016 diagnosis of Alzheimer’s.
The Alzheimer’s Association, which Bennett partners with to raise awareness and funds for the disease, also released a public statement.
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The Alzheimer’s Association joins the world in mourning the loss of Tony Bennett, a great friend and champion of the cause. Chicago, Illinoisin statement.
“For decades, Tony has inspired the world with his music and, after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, he continues to use that powerful voice to inspire action and make a very real difference in change.”
Legendary singer Tony Bennett, who died July 21 in New York at age 96, had a history of health problems over the years, culminating in a seven-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease. (Getty Images)
Several neurology experts shared with Fox News Digital the key things people should know about late-stage Alzheimer’s — and its potentially fatal complications.
Alzheimer’s: The most common form of dementia
According to the Mayo Clinic, Alzheimer’s disease is a cognitive disorder that causes a build-up of harmful proteins in the brain.
Legendary singer Tony Bennett has died at the age of 96.
About 6.5 million people age 65 and older in the United States are living with Alzheimer’s disease, which accounts for up to 70 percent of all dementia cases.
Over time, the disease causes the brain to shrink and kill brain cells, resulting in gradual cognitive decline.
There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s, although a new drug called Leqembi, which works to remove plaque from the brain, recently received FDA approval.
Early symptoms of Alzheimer’s include episodes of short-term memory loss. This eventually leads to memory loss and inability to function.
There is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s, although a new drug called Leqembi, which works to remove plaque from the brain, recently received FDA approval.
“This drug has been shown to slow the progression of the disease in the early stages of the disease,” said Dong-Soo Sun, Ph.D., an Alzheimer’s research expert. San Franciscotold Fox News Digital.
“Lakembi, like all other plaque-removing drugs, can cause side effects such as swelling and bleeding in the brain because it removes plaques by increasing neuroinflammation.”
Late-onset Alzheimer’s disease
During the advanced stages of Alzheimer’s, patients experience severe cognitive decline, according to Dr. Rehan Aziz, a psychiatrist at Jersey Shore University Medical Center. Neptune, New Jersey and Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Neurology at Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine.
During late-stage Alzheimer’s, patients experience severe cognitive decline. (iStock)
“In this stage, individuals may lose the ability to recognize familiar people, including family members and friends,” he told Fox News Digital.
“They may have difficulty communicating their needs.”
People with late-stage disease often need help with normal activities such as dressing, eating and cutting, bathing, combing their hair or brushing their teeth, using the toilet and even walking, the doctor said.
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They may also experience behavioral and psychological changes.
“Individuals may develop a variety of psychological symptoms, including apathy, depression, Difficulty sleeping at night And aggression,” Aziz said.
These patients often require 24-hour care, either at home with appropriate services or in a skilled nursing facility, the doctor said.
Over time, the disease causes the brain to shrink and kill brain cells, resulting in gradual cognitive decline. (iStock)
“Caregivers have high rates of depression, as well as an increased likelihood of becoming physically ill,” he warned.
“It’s important that caregivers take care of themselves and get help.”
Aziz often refers caregivers to Alzheimer’s support groups as well. Mental health He said that if needed, physicians.
When is Alzheimer’s fatal?
Unlike cancer or Lou Gehrig’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease is not a direct cause of death, according to Dr. Arif Dalvi, director of the Memory Disorders Center at St. Mary’s Medical Center in West Palm Beach, Florida.
“However, as the disease progresses, the patient’s ability to care for himself or herself is significantly reduced, even with assistance,” he told Fox News Digital.
“This leads to general deconditioning complications that are directly responsible for death.”
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According to the Alzheimer’s Society, the average life expectancy of someone with Alzheimer’s disease is about 8-10 years. Longevity is shorter for those diagnosed in their 80s or 90s.
“Depending on a person’s health status and lifestyle, some patients decline quickly and succumb to the disease within a few years — while others may live for years after diagnosis,” said the Sun of San Francisco.
A common cause of death for Alzheimer’s patients
In addition to causing memory loss, Alzheimer’s also causes a weakened immune system. Cardiovascular system And others, said the Sun.
“This deficiency can lead to the development of fatal complications such as aspiration pneumonia, stroke or heart disease,” he explained.
Patients with late-stage Alzheimer’s often require 24-hour care, either at home with appropriate services or in a skilled nursing facility. (iStock)
Dalvi commonly sees Alzheimer’s patients suffering from infections, which can be fatal.
“A combination of disease progression, General weakness from aging And lack of hygiene due to failure to take care of oneself leads to susceptibility to infection,” he explained.
“Pneumonia is the most common, although urinary tract infections are also seen quite frequently,” he continued. “In a vulnerable person, it can lead to sepsis and death.”
“Some patients decline rapidly and succumb to the disease within a few years, while others may live for years after diagnosis.”
Source by [Fox News]
