What are complications of Alzheimer's disease (AD)?

Mental Illness: Depression is common in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), especially during the earlier stages when they may be aware of losing mental functions.

Falls and their complications: Individuals with AD may become disoriented, increasing their risk of falls. Falls can lead to bone fractures that require hospitalization, medications, and surgery. Falls may also lead to an increase in the severity of AD symptoms, such as confusion and agitation. In addition, falls are a common cause of serious head injuries, such as brain hemorrhage (bleeding in the brain). Long-term immobilization after surgery and hospitalization may also increase the risk of a pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs), which can be life-threatening.

Infections: In advanced Alzheimer's disease, people may lose all ability to care for themselves. This can make them more prone to additional health problems such as pneumonia (a bacterial infection of the lungs and respiratory system). They may have difficulty swallowing food and liquids, which may cause individuals with AD to inhale some of what they eat and drink into their airways and lungs, which may then lead to pneumonia.

Urinary incontinence: Urinary incontinence, or the loss of bladder control causing urine leakage, may require the placement of a urinary catheter, which increases the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). UTIs can lead to more serious, life-threatening infections.

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