What Experts Are Saying About Lewy Body Dementias

There are many types of dementia, the most common of which is Alzheimer’s disease. Early detection means that it can slow its progression sometimes, so it is critical to recognize the symptoms as soon as possible. Because researchers are still investigating how dementia develops, there is no sure way to prevent it. A healthy lifestyle, on the other hand, can help reduce your risk.

Lewy body dementias are considered to be the second most common form of dementia, following Alzheimer’s disease. People who suffer from this form of dementia experience the early signs of memory loss, difficulty concentrating and mood changes, as well as other symptoms that become more severe over time. The progression of this disease can be slowed through medication and cognitive therapy, but there is no cure at this time. According to researchers, as many as 50 percent of people with Lewy body dementias develop it by age 60, although it can occur in people who are much younger or older than that as well.

Memory Loss

Patients suffering from lbd often experience memory loss and confusion early on, which can make it difficult to recognize what’s happening. If you or a loved one is experiencing memory loss or other cognitive difficulties, such as difficulty concentrating or poor judgment, get help right away. Some of these symptoms could be signs of depression. Most people with dementia show symptoms between 60 and 80 years old; however, there are some risk factors that can increase your chances of developing lbd, including: advanced age; a family history of neurological disease; head injury before age 45; hypertension (high blood pressure); antiphospholipid syndrome (abnormal antibodies in your blood); being overweight; smoking or drinking alcohol regularly. It has also linked obesity and diabetes to increased risk for lbd.

Difficulty Concentrating

Because cognitive deficits are very common in those who suffer from Lewy body dementias, one of their most notable symptoms is difficulty concentrating. It’s not uncommon for people with DLB to have hallucinations or delusions, which can make following conversations or doing other tasks difficult. It’s also not uncommon for people with dementia to get lost or experience memory problems and issues with planning or judgment. If you notice that a family member has trouble concentrating, is having visual hallucinations, is exhibiting unusual behavior such as paranoia or has trouble remembering things, he may suffer from DLB.

Mood Changes

While Alzheimer’s patients typically experience memory loss first, people with Lewy body dementias usually begin by exhibiting changes in mood. For example, they may become severely depressed or manic, they may be unusually happy or angry, or they may simply have difficulty managing their emotions appropriately. If your loved one has been behaving abnormally for a while, but you can’t seem to get them to go see a doctor (or if you’re just not sure if something is wrong), these could be early signs of dementia.

Lewy bodies can lead to other problems

People with dementia who have several conditions may be diagnosed with both Alzheimer’s disease and one or more additional dementia, like a Lewy body dementia. Alzheimer’s and other dementias typically cause memory loss, but Lewy body dementia also causes an inability to think clearly, hallucinations and symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease. These two dementias together cause what is known as mixed dementia, which affects 30 percent of those diagnosed with both disorders. If you or someone you love is suffering from any type of memory loss or confusion that persists, it may be time to talk to your doctor about getting tested for a form of Alzheimer’s disease.

Scientists have found that nearly 90 percent of individuals diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) also experience symptoms consistent with Parkinson’s disease (PD), while 70 percent experience fluctuations in alertness or sleep patterns similar to those who suffer from REM sleep behavior disorder. According to research out of Boston University School of Medicine in Massachusetts, people with LBD may also be more susceptible to certain other diseases as well—including cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Doctors recommend that all patients be screened for these ailments as part of an overall care plan for their health.

Visual Symptoms

Visual hallucinations are a common symptom of Lewy body dementias. Usually, these hallucinations involve images of people or animals that aren’t there and movement in peripheral vision. Other visual disturbances include difficulty judging distance, misreading words and neglecting one side of space while looking at something on another side. These symptoms can be mistaken for those associated with migraine headaches or other common visual disorders like macular degeneration. Some doctors even call it migraine dementia because some sufferers describe their headaches as feeling like migraines.

Movement Disorders

A person with Parkinson’s disease will experience tremors in their extremities, but symptoms can also include slowness and stiffness of movement. These symptoms result from a lack of dopamine (the chemical that allows your brain to relay information) in one or more parts of your brain. The symptoms you experience will depend on which part(s) of your brain has lost dopamine activity. Besides movement problems, people with Parkinson’s often lose their sense of smell, have an increased risk for developing depression and anxiety, and can sometimes experience hallucinations and dementia.

Parkinson’s Disease

The first symptoms of Parkinson’s disease may be very subtle. They may include a feeling of being nervous, trouble sleeping, or even noticing that your hands have a tremor when they’re at rest. You may have to put things down several times before you can actually pick them up and these problems might get worse over time. If you suspect you might have Parkinson’s disease, it is important to see your doctor as soon as possible. Early detection is critical for reducing symptoms and making living with Parkinson’s easier most times. While there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease today, there are treatments that can greatly reduce many of its symptoms and improve the quality of life for those living with it.

Conclusion

The final symptoms of dementia with Lewy bodies include hallucinations, behavioral changes, sleep disturbances, and a decrease in swallowing ability. It is important to note that these symptoms occur in other forms of dementia as well. If you notice any signs of memory loss or mood swings, talk to your doctor right away. Early treatment can slow down your progression through mild cognitive impairment to full-blown dementia.