There are many types of dementia, not just Alzheimer’s. A stroke, infections, alcohol abuse, brain injuries, and/or a stroke can all lead to dementia.
Lewy body dementia is one type of dementia. According to the National Institutes of Health, it is the second most prevalent form of dementia, after Alzheimer’s. It affects more than 1,000,000 Americans. Although it is most common in people over 50, Lewy body dementia can also be found in younger people.
This article will provide more information about Lewy body dementia. It includes what it is, how to treat it, and what to look out for.
What is Lewy body dementia?
Lewy body, also known as Lewy dementia, is a progressive form of dementia that starts slowly and gets worse over time. Lewy bodies are caused by an increase in alpha-synuclein proteins in the brain. These protein deposits form in nerve cells involved in movement, memory, and thinking.
People with Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia have many similarities. Both diseases have brain tangles and plaques that can make it difficult to tell the difference. Lewy body dementia symptoms are different from Alzheimer’s.
What are some symptoms of Lewy Body Dementia?
Lewy body dementia can cause different symptoms. These include sleep, cognitive, movement, and behavioral.
Mood and Behaviour Symptoms
- Agitation Fidgeting and handwringing, irritability, or pacing.
- Anxiety Feeling anxious or angry when a loved one is absent, or repeatedly asking the same question
- Apathy: Lack of interest in daily activities and events, and less interest in social interaction
- Delusions – False beliefs or opinions that are not supported by evidence. For example, believing that a spouse who has died is still alive.
- Depression A mood disorder that causes sadness and loss of interest.
- Paranoia – Extreme, irrational distrust in others, their words, and actions.
Cognitive Symptoms
- Non-visual hallucinations Hearing or smelling things are less common
- A severe loss of thinking ability Ideas can be disorganized, illogical, or unclear. You may also experience confusion regarding time and place, difficulties with numbers and language, and poor judgment.
- Unpredictable behavior Unexpected changes in alertness and concentration – Sometimes throughout the day.
- Visual hallucinations About 80% of patients experience visual hallucinations.
Movement Symptoms
- Multiple falls and balance problems – While some people may have balance problems, those with Lewy body dementia are at greater risk.
- Tough swallowing – This is why sufferers may have trouble eating enough
- Individuals with disabilities may require assistance walking.
- Faces without expression may appear “frozen”.
- Loss in coordination Individuals might have more accidents, such as falling or be unable to perform daily tasks.
- Muscle rigidity or stiffness– Stretching can be helpful in this situation
- Tremors or shaking, often at rest These symptoms could be similar to Parkinson’s disease.
- Weak voice– Those affected can become disconnected from others when they have trouble communicating.
Sleep Symptoms
- Excessive Daytime Sleepiness – Excessive daytime sleepiness can indicate a problem.
- Insomnia: An inability or inability to fall asleep, stay asleep, or wake up too early to go back to sleep.
- REM Sleep Behavior Disorder – Also known as dream-enacting behavior, it is a way to physically act out uncomfortable dreams, often with vocalizations and violent arm and leg movements
- Restless leg syndrome – Uncontrollable urge to move your legs due to discomfort. Usually occurs while you are sitting or lying down.
Other Symptoms
- Blood pressure problems
- Temperature changes
- Constipation
- A diminished sense of smell
- Feeling dizzy or fainting
- Frequent falls
- Temperature and Cold Sensitivity
- Sexual dysfunction
- Urinary Incontinence
The symptoms of Lewy body dementia may appear mild in the beginning stages. However, they may not cause any significant disruption to normal activities. As this progressive disease progresses, patients will require more assistance with time. They may experience decreased movement and thinking. Lewy body dementia sufferers in the later stages may need to rely entirely on others for their care.
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