How long does a person live with dementia?

The different types of dementia have various lengths of disease. It is important to note that dementia is a progressive and fatal disease with no cure at this time.

The length of the disease can vary significantly for each type of dementia and among individuals. However, here’s a general overview of the typical disease progression for some common types of dementia:

Alzheimer’s disease:

Alzheimer’s disease is typically a progressive condition that worsens over time.

The duration from diagnosis to end-stage Alzheimer’s disease can range from 3 to 20 years or more, with an average duration of 8 to 10 years.

Vascular dementia:

Vascular dementia can have a variable course depending on the underlying cause and severity of vascular damage.

The duration from diagnosis to end-stage vascular dementia can range from a few years to over a decade, with an average duration of 5 to 10 years.

Lewy body dementia:

Lewy body dementia tends to progress gradually over several years, but the rate of progression can vary widely among individuals.

The duration from diagnosis to end-stage Lewy body dementia can range from 5 to 10 years on average, although some individuals may experience a more rapid decline.

Frontotemporal dementia:

Frontotemporal dementia typically progresses over a span of 5 to 10 years, but the duration can vary depending on the subtype and individual factors.

Some individuals with frontotemporal dementia may experience a more rapid decline, while others may have a slower progression.

Parkinson’s disease dementia:

Parkinson’s disease dementia typically develops in the later stages of Parkinson’s disease, which itself is a progressive condition.

The duration from the onset of Parkinson’s disease to the development of dementia can vary widely, but dementia may occur several years after the onset of motor symptoms.

It’s important to note that these are general estimates, and the actual length of disease can vary significantly among individuals based on factors such as age at onset, overall health, presence of other medical conditions, and response to treatment and interventions. Additionally, some individuals may experience a more rapid decline, while others may have a slower progression of the disease.