Do people with dementia have compromised immune systems?

When we age our immune system becomes compromised. Just as our organs are not as efficient, so it is with our immunity. However, we still need to have a balanced diet, hydration and regular exercise. Becoming self-negligent will only hasten aging!

Yes My husband would get septic very quickley towards the end of his life. Before that he caught pneumonia a lot. Septic pneumonia got him at the end. Its tough road for all. He always had good nutrition and hygiene. Even when he needed caregivers. The brain is dying and the body will just not work.

The answer is yes. Plaque builds up in the brain of someone who has Alzheimer's, which in turn compromises their immune system.

I agree with those who suggest it is probably poor nutrition, lack of exercise and/or sketchy hygiene that contribute to Dementia patient's poorer recovery patterns more than the Dementia itself.

Dementia does not compromise the immune system. However, other factors do impact the immune system: age, nutritional status, level of hydration, chronic diseases, lack of sleep, lack of sunlight... If your husband is older, his immune system is not as "feisty" as when he was younger. Fight back with healthy lifestyle: good nutrition, 7+ hours of sleep daily, about 2 liters of water/fluids (caffeinated beverages do not count) daily, exercise that moves all the muscles most days of the week, good hygiene, and avoiding sick people. The supplements are good idea but these others factors tend to make more of a difference.

Any person who is elderly has an immune system that doesn’t work as well as it used to. Other complicating factors can be diabetes which compromises it as well. Poor nutrition, smoking, lung problems (types of COPD) etc. are all mitigating factors. Is he drinking enough fluids etc.

Hi, I really don't know for sure but I don't think their immune system is compromised.

I think that some people are just more prone to catching things. I know my husband doesn't wash his hands like he should so maybe a hand sanitizer. Most people already use these so that might not help. Possibly, his blood is low. Maybe have him checked or a good physical with blood work. Also, I find that in cases of sickness like sore throats, bronchitis and similar things, doctors only prescribe enough antibiotics to help but not rid your body completely of the infection. In a couple of weeks, you sometimes find yourself right back in the doctor's office. Maybe stress how long it takes for him to get over things and the doctor might give him prednisone to help give him a boost. I recently had two shots of prednisone. They were two weeks apart. I had a prednisone shot and 7 days antibiotics. Initially I felt better but 2 weeks later, I had a follow up appointment and got another prednisone shot and an antibiotic shot. I've felt much better since that second round of shots.

I care for my husband with Alzheimers, probably stage 6. I guess I am the one who needed a boost. Hope this helps!