Lewy Body Dementia

Also known as Dementia with Lewy bodies, is the second most common, progressive dementia following Alzheimer’s disease. Lewy bodies are a type of protein deposits that develop in regions of the brain responsible for memory, thinking and motor control.

A progressive decline in mental capabilities is caused by Lewy Body Dementia. People with LBD may also experience changes in alertness and hallucinations. Rigid muscles, tremors or slow movement often compared to Parkinson’s disease may also be present. Symptoms of Lewy Body Dementia include:

1. Movement disorders such as tremors, rigid muscles, slow movement, and walking with a shuffled gait.
2. Visual recurring hallucinations that are often one of the first signs that something is wrong.
3. Poor regulation of body functions such as pulse, sweating, blood pressure, and digestive processes. These are all part of the autonomic nervous system and often effect by LBD.
4. Cognitive problems such as confusion, short term memory loss, and visual-spatial issues.
5. Apathy causing loss of motivation.
6. Difficulty sleeping which may cause people to physically act out their dreams while asleep.
7. Depression.

The abnormal buildup of proteins into masses is known as Lewy bodies, and associated with Parkinson’s disease. Plaque and tangles associated with Alzheimer’s disease is also present in the brain of people with Lewy bodies dementia.

People over the age of 60, men and those with a family history of Lewy Body or Parkinson’s are at a higher risk of developing the disease. Like all forms of Dementia, the disease is progressive, and can be terminal. A person with LD can develop aggressive behavior, risk of falling often associated with Parkinson’s type symptoms such as tremors. The average lifespan for someone diagnoses with Lewy Body Dementia is approximately eight years from the first noticeable signs.

The most misdiagnosed form of Dementia is Lewy Body Dementia. Finding an organization such as LBDA (Lewy Body Dementia Association,) that offers resources, guidance and support is one way to educate yourself, your family, friends and your physician.