Dementia is a term used to describe a group of symptoms that affects a person’s mental abilities, including memory loss, difficulty thinking, and changes in behavior and mood. Lewy body dementia (LBD) is a specific type of dementia that affects a person’s movement, behavior, and thinking.
What is Lewy Body Dementia?
LBD is a progressive brain disorder that results from the abnormal accumulation of alpha-synuclein protein deposits, called Lewy bodies, in the brain. These protein deposits damage nerve cells, leading to problems with movement, thinking, behavior, and mood.
LBD is the second most common type of degenerative dementia after Alzheimer’s disease, affecting an estimated 1.4 million people in the United States. It can occur in people as young as 50 and affects both men and women equally.
Symptoms of Lewy Body Dementia
The symptoms of LBD can vary widely from person to person, making it a difficult disease to diagnose. Some of the most common symptoms include:
- Progressive memory loss and thinking difficulties
- Visual hallucinations
- Parkinsonian symptoms such as stiffness, tremors, and difficulty with movement
- Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder, where a person acts out their dreams while sleeping
- Fluctuations in alertness and attention
- Changes in mood and behavior
- Cognitive fluctuations, where a person experiences sudden and temporary changes in cognitive ability
Diagnosis of Lewy Body Dementia
Diagnosing LBD can be a challenge because its symptoms can be similar to those of other forms of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. To make a diagnosis, a doctor will consider the person’s medical history, perform a thorough physical and neurological examination, and conduct a battery of cognitive tests. A doctor may also order imaging tests, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or positron emission tomography (PET) scans, to help confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment of Lewy Body Dementia
Unfortunately, there is no cure for LBD, and treatments are limited to managing the symptoms. Medications such as cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine can help improve memory and thinking, while levodopa and other Parkinson’s drugs can help with motor symptoms. Antipsychotic medications may be prescribed to manage visual hallucinations, but these drugs can also cause serious side effects and should be used with caution.
It is important for people with LBD to work with a healthcare team that includes a neurologist, geriatrician, and movement disorder specialist to help manage their symptoms and maintain the best quality of life possible.
Living with Lewy Body Dementia
Living with LBD can be extremely challenging for both the person affected and their caregivers. It is important for families to educate themselves about the disease and seek support from local and national organizations, such as the Lewy Body Dementia Association.
Caring for a loved one with LBD can be emotionally and physically draining, and it is important for caregivers to seek help and support to prevent burnout. This may include respite care, support groups, and counseling.
Conclusion
Lewy body dementia is a complex and devastating disease that affects a person’s movement, behavior, and thinking. While there is no cure, managing symptoms through medications, therapy, and lifestyle changes can help improve the quality of life for those with LBD and their families. It is important for families to educate themselves about the disease and seek support from healthcare professionals and advocacy organizations to help cope with the challenges it brings.
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