There are many factors that come into play when determining the life expectancy of an individual with Alzheimers disease. The current stage of the illness, age and pre-existing health issues can all determine how long of a life expectancy and individual can have after diagnosis. Every case needs to be treated individually, but typically Alzheimers disease will progress between two and 20 years. Most individuals will live from eight to 10 years after their diagnosis.
Today, Alzheimers disease is one of the top 10 leading causes of death in the United States. However, individuals with Alzheimers disease are likely to develop co-existing illnesses and die from other conditions, infections or illnesses such as pneumonia.