Lewy Body Dementia: What You Should Know

Lewy body dementia (LBD) is a brain disease that impairs thinking and often mobility. It occurs when tiny protein clumps, called Lewy bodies, form within the nerve cells of the brain. These clumps are named after Dr. FH Lewy, the German physician who first discovered them. It is one of the most common types of dementia and affects more than 1.4 people in the United States. LBD is still relatively unknown to many people and is often misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed in its earliest stages as many of the symptoms resemble Parkinson's disease. Many researchers believe that Lewy body may actually account for as much as 20% of dementia diagnoses. 

Learn what you need to know about Lewy body dementia and how professional home care can help a loved one with the disease.

What Causes Lewy Body Dementia?

LBD is caused by the buildup of abnormal protein deposits, called Lewy bodies, in the regions of the brain that are responsible for:

• Thinking
  Memory
  Movement

When Lewy body deposits accumulate in these regions, they damage brain cells and interfere with normal brain function.

What are common Symptoms of Lewy Body Dementia?

People with LBD may not experience every symptom associated with the disease, and the severity of symptoms can vary among individuals. Here are the most common symptoms:

• Changes in the ability to think and reason
  Obvious memory loss
  Confusion, poor attention span, and visual-spatial difficulty
  Recurring visual hallucinations
  Sleep disturbances
  Depression, apathy, and other mood disorders
  Movement disorders, such as slowness, stiffness, and gait changes
  Problems regulating automatic body functions (autonomic nervous system), such as pulse and digestion

Regardless of how the disease begins, LBD is progressive and may eventually develop overlapping and worsening symptoms.

What are some of the Risk Factors for Lewy Body Dementia?

While not many risk factors have been identified, the following might potentially increase the risk of developing lewy body:

• Age: Older adults past the age of 60
  Gender: Men are at a higher risk than women
  Family History: Those who have (or had) a family member with the disease

How is Lewy Body Dementia Diagnosed?

Lewy body is often confused with Alzheimer’s disease because they have similar signs. To determine if symptoms are related to LBD, a medical diagnosis will be made after an evaluation by a physician that includes:

• Physical exam
  Diagnostic testing
  Blood tests
  Brain scans

How is Lewy Body Dementia Treated?

Lewy body dementia is not curable but there are some non-surgical treatments and therapies to help control and manage symptoms. A treatment plan may involve:

• Medications to alleviate cognitive and movement symptoms or hallucinations
  Physical, occupational, speech, or other types of therapy
  Individual and family counseling
  Support groups

Doctors may recommend non-drug approaches because certain medications can have side effects that could worsen other symptoms. Treatments are shown to be more effective the earlier LBD is recognized.

If you suspect you or a loved one is showing symptoms of LBD, make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.

Home Care Services for Individuals with Lewy Body Dementia

As the effects of LBD continue to progress rapidly, family caregivers may become overwhelmed by the stress and burden of properly caring for a loved one. Professional dementia care can fill in the gaps and support individuals and their families. A qualified home care provider will help your loved one by:

• Reducing stress
  Fall Prevention
  Managing symptoms
  Providing medication reminders
  Minimizing the threat of wandering
  Supporting independence
  Maintaining quality of life

Visiting Angels’ caregivers can perform tasks such as dressing, bathing, running errands, and many other personal care and household tasks. If you’re concerned a loved one is unable to care for themselves following an Lewy body diagnosis, consider in-home care to ensure their safety and well-being. Our Visiting Angels team is available to discuss your loved one’s needs during a free home care consultation. Reach out to us today by phone at 952-935-0789 or by filling out our inquiry form. We are proud to serve seniors and aging adults living in the Minneapolis and Twin Cities area. Our service territory includes the cities of Wayzata, Hopkins, Minnetonka, Delano, Maple Grove, Plymouth and surrounding communities in Hennepin and Wright Counties.