Pressure ulcers - also called pressure sores or bedsores - can develop if someone spends too long sitting or lying in one position. They are a particular risk for people with dementia.

What happens if bed sores are not treated?

Left untreated, the skin can break open and the area can become infected. A bedsore can become deep. It can extend into the muscle and bone. Once a bedsore develops, it is often very slow to heal.

How long do people live with bed sores?

Patients can live for months or even years after developing a stage 4 bedsore. Factors such as proper medical care and preventing complications can help patients live longer. That said, roughly 60,000 people die each year due to bedsore-related complications.