Lewy body dementia (which you'll also hear referred to as dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB)) is one of the most common forms of dementia. It's a progressive illness that occurs when clumps of proteins build up in the nerve cells of the brain. This impacts the cells that control a person's ability to think, their memory and movement.
Many of the symptoms of Lewy body dementia are shared by Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. As a result, it's often misdiagnosed. According to Alzheimer's Research UK, Lewy body dementia affects between 10-15% of people living with dementia.
In our guide, we'll explore some of the common symptoms and early signs of Lewy body dementia, its causes, how it differs to Parkinson’s dementia and more to help you get a better understanding of the illness.
It's always important to remember that dementia is not a regular part of ageing. So, if you or a loved one is experiencing any of the symptoms associated with dementia, seek advice from a GP.
Contents
What are the Lewy Body Dementia Symptoms?
What causes Lewy Body Dementia?
What's the difference between Parkinson's Dementia and Lewy Body Dementia?
Is there a cure for Lewy Body Dementia?
What are the Lewy Body Dementia Symptoms?
The symptoms of Lewy body dementia typically take effect gradually, worsening over time. Everyone's experience of dementia is different, but some of the most common symptoms include:
- hallucinations - seeing and hearing things that aren't there. They can be pleasant or distressing.
- disturbances to sleep - experiences of restlessness and intense dreams or nightmares.
- slower movement, shuffling when walking, rigid limbs, and uncontrollable tremors - often in the hands. These are also common Parkinson's symptoms.
- difficulties with balance and being prone to falls.
- sudden changes and fluctuations in alertness - becoming unexpectedly confused or sleepy in minutes or hours.
- changes to thinking speed, visual perception, the ability to understand, make judgements and challenges with language.
- swallowing difficulties, as well as bladder and bowel problems (usually experienced during the later stages).
- depression and anxiety.
Unlike other with other forms of dementia (particularly Alzheimer's), memory is less affected during the early stages of Lewy body dementia.
What Causes Lewy Body Dementia?
Lewy bodies, which are abnormal protein clumps, build up in brain cells. These deposits interfere with the connections between nerve cells in many parts of the brain, which prevents them from working correctly.
Typically, Lewy bodies gather in the areas of the brain that control thinking, movement and visual perception. It's not known what causes them to form. However, dementia with Lewy bodies commonly affects people with no family history of the illness.
The risk of developing the condition becomes more common over the age of 65. However, it can affect people younger too.
What's the Difference Between Parkinson's Dementia and Lewy Body Dementia?
Lewy body dementia has two subtypes - Lewy body dementia and Parkinson's disease dementia. The symptoms are similar, but the biggest difference between them is the order in which they occur.
Dementia with Lewy bodies typically sees individuals impacted by changes in thinking and visual perception (the cognitive symptoms), as well as sleep difficulties, experienced first. The Parkinsonian symptoms, i.e., movement difficulties, will occur at the same time or later as the condition progresses.
Parkinson's disease dementia is the opposite - with the Parkinsonian symptoms experienced first and the cognitive changes afterwards.
It's also important to note that some people diagnosed with Lewy body dementia may not experience any of the motor-related symptoms associated with Parkinson's.
Is There a Cure for Lewy Body Dementia?
No, there's currently no cure. However, there are treatments and medications that can help people living with the illness manage their symptoms.
What Support is Available?
Dementia with Lewy bodies is a progressive illness, with the symptoms becoming more challenging as the condition worsens. However, there is support that can help those affected.
It can take the form of occupational therapy, which helps people to identify the challenging elements in everyday life and find ways to adapt them, physiotherapy, to help with movement, psychological therapy, with exercises designed to stimulate the brain, and much more.
Someone affected may eventually need support with day-to-day living - whether that's in their own home from a carer, or in a specialist care home environment.
Here, at Sanctuary Care, we have care homes across the UK that specialise in delivering compassionate, person-centric dementia care. We help our residents to live fulfilling lives in a safe and comfortable environment - where they can get the exact levels of specialist support they require.
Find your nearest Sanctuary care home or contact our friendly team on 0800 046 4781 to find out more.
