{"id":15769,"date":"2026-01-15T22:36:42","date_gmt":"2026-01-15T22:36:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aplaceathome.com\/kirkland-wa\/?p=15769"},"modified":"2026-02-26T17:20:14","modified_gmt":"2026-02-26T17:20:14","slug":"nonverbal-dementia-life-expectancy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aplaceathome.com\/kirkland-wa\/nonverbal-dementia-life-expectancy\/","title":{"rendered":"How Long Do Dementia Patients Live Once They Become Nonverbal?"},"content":{"rendered":"

When a loved one with dementia can no longer communicate verbally, family members face one of the hardest times in their lives. People start to think \u201cHow long will this person live?\u201d or \u201cWhat can I do to keep this person comfortable?\u201d The answer is different for each individual; by understanding dementia at this stage, you can help provide care that maintains dignity, compassion and patience.<\/p>\n

What Does \u201cNonverbal\u201d Mean in Dementia?<\/h2>\n

Dementia patients who lose the ability to speak indicate late stages of dementia. The brain areas responsible for speech and language will be affected, causing difficulty or inability for the patient to be able to speak.<\/p>\n

But nonverbal does not mean unaware. Many patients will still have a sense of tone, emotion and facial gestures, so they will find a way to communicate with you\u2014through smiles, hand-clasping, or eye contact\u2014without using words. Family members will be able to learn more about the other ways patients can connect through forms of communication that remain open and available.<\/p>\n

What Are the Common Signs of Late-Stage Dementia?<\/h2>\n

Even when your loved one can no longer speak, they are still communicating in their own ways, and subtle changes in their abilities can help guide the care they need. Some of the most common signs families may notice include:<\/p>\n