Is renal failure one of the end stages of Alzheimer's?

Answer by  MedStud (32)

No. Alzheimer's largely affects the brain and does not directly cause renal failure. Renal failure is seen in several Alzheimer's patients because both patients tend to be old and have multiple medical problems. Alzheimer's patients may however have medical conditions that lead to renal failure because of the patient's inability to care for himself.

Answer by  bubbyboy (9929)

Yes. Also respiratory failure can be found at the end stage. There are different end stages for different people so ask the doctor.

Answer by  sanityrose (2664)

Renal failure can be one of the end stages of Alzheimer's. Renal failure is just one part of the "shutting down" the body goes through during the last few days to few weeks. End stages in Alzheimer's may be quite painful for the sufferer and family, but know that in many cases the patient does pass tranquilly.

Answer by  PJ24 (220)

No. Alzheimer's is thought to be caused due to neurotoxicity mediated through glutamate/NMDA excitation, loss of cholinergic transmission or plaque aggregation due to incorrect secretase cleaving. None of these processes have any effect on the kidney. However, both diseases are not uncommon in the elderly.