I read the local obits everyday as I get older because many my age and even younger are dying. Today, I read one that made me want to cry. It was about this 66 year old woman who had been battling AD for 20 years. I cannot imagine being the spouse of someone with AD for 20 years. My own DH was diagnosed in 2005, but had symptoms for at least five years then.
20 years? What is the average survival after diagnosis? I remember hearing or reading 8 years originally, but his PCP suggested much longer while the neuropsychologist when I pressed him a couple years ago just before we started the reno said he didn't think I'd be able to have DH with me more than 4 years or so.
Terry, 8-10 is average, but some go quicker and some longer. My FIL is 25+ years since diagnosis - a rare case. I truly pray my hb does not follow his dad's illness but goes quickly. He in no way wants to drag on existing for years like his dad.
On another thread somewhere I posted where there are articles. you can start with the Alz Assoc. site, and google 'average lifespan for Alzheimer', 'how long do people live with Alzheimer, etc.
Terry, there is always that very interesting word in the "life span guestimates". It is the word average. There are a lot of variables in there, when in the disease were they diagnosed, age at diagnosis, general health, speed of the disease and a whole host of other things. There does not seem to be one general protocol that "everyone" follows for the disease like there is for some types of cancer.