What is it called when a dementia patient sleeps a lot but vital signs are good but suddenly develops a serious illness and dies?

Hi Willy,

Did someone diagnose the patient with a serious illness or are we assuming there was a serious illness because of the breathing problems? I ask because both my mother and aunt died of heart attacks and when they died they had something called agonal breathing. It means the person appears to be gasping and struggling to breathe but in fact it is a reflex of the brain stem. Breathing problems can be secondary to cardiac issues and not just respiratory illness. It looks like the person is trying desperately to breathe but their heart has already stopped and death has already occurred...and it’s sudden as you described. In our situation, both my mother and aunt had DNRs in place so CPR wasn’t attempted. I just stayed and softly tried to help them transition to heaven. This may not be what you’re talking about but think it might help.

I don't think there is a name. Pneumonia is a leading cause of death in the elderly. Those who have smoked or worked in asbestosis, for example, are already compromised.

There is also a term called "rallying" meaning the person perks up. Eats a full course meal, looks hale and hearty and within 48 hrs or so passes.

My mother's "vital signs" (bp and pulse) were fine about 10 minutes before she died. She had CHF, had recently fallen and had clearly given up on living.

I'd call that a blessing.

the brits call it " popping your clogs " .

Death, and old people can will themselves to death.

What do you mean, 'what is it called'? That's how death often happens; suddenly, by developing a serious illness like pneumonia or bronchitis coming on the heels of already having a disease like dementia in place. The immune system is already compromised in the elderly, so it doesn't take all that much for an illness like pneumonia to end their life. My mother in law died of pneumonia and had no other diseases in play at the time. She was 91 and I'm sure her vital signs were fine before she got ill. My mother almost died of pneumonia recently, but managed to pull through with rehab, but wound up in a wheelchair. I really doubt she'd survive another serious illness at this point, with moderate dementia and other chronic conditions at play at the age of almost 93.