Lewy body dimentia: what you need to know
Are you familiar with Lewy body dimentia? Also known as Lewy body dementia, this neurodegenerative disease is one of the most common, ranking just behind Alzheimer's disease. Less well known than Alzheimer's, Lewy body disease (LBD) is a neurocognitive disorder that affects the brain.
Its symptoms are numerous. They affect both the cognitive sphere of the person and their movements, and can even influence mood and behavior. Let's find out more about Lewy body disease and how it can affect the daily lives of older people who have it, as well as their loved ones.
What is Lewy body dimentia?
Like Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, Lewy body dementia is considered a neurodegenerative disease. In other words, it is a condition that affects various parts of the brain and leads to cognitive and physical disorders.
You may be wondering: what exactly is a Lewy body?
Without going into the theory in depth, these are actually neuronal inclusions mainly formed by the accumulation of a protein, alpha-synuclein, in brain cells. The abnormal deposition of this protein leads to the formation of what has been called Lewy bodies (named after the researcher who is believed to have made this discovery). These accumulations then interfere with the information transmitted between different neural cells, causing various symptoms to appear. In addition to being present in Lewy body dementia, the same deposits can also be found in people with Parkinson's disease.
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Most affected population
To date, the risk factors causing the onset of Lewy body dimentia are poorly understood. However, scientists have noted certain facts:
- the existence of a link between this dimentia and Alzheimer's and Parkinson's;
- Men seem to be affected by this disease more often than women.
- the population aged 50 and over would be at greater risk;
- a certain genetic link could predispose individuals to the disease.
Prevalence of this disease across the population
Deuxième maladie neurodégénérative la plus fréquente après l’Alzheimer, la démence à corps de Lewy est beaucoup plus présente qu’on pourrait le croire. D’autant plus que les experts semblent s’entendre pour dire qu’une bonne portion des personnes atteintes pourraient ne jamais recevoir de diagnostic.
What are the symptoms of Lewy body dementia?
Although Lewy body dementia (LBD) shares several similarities with other neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's, certain symptoms often stand out in older adults with LBD.
Among these are:
- loss of functional independence;
- the rather frequent occurrence of visual hallucinations;
- motor disorders similar to Parkinson's disease;
- as well as the development of various cognitive disorders that are not always constant.
The first symptoms of DCL: the onset of cognitive impairment
Among the earliest symptoms that can be identified are various cognitive disorders. Memory impairment, attention and concentration disorders, difficulty expressing oneself, and disorientation are some examples of signs present in people with Lewy body dimentia.
- Unlike Alzheimer's disease, memory problems sometimes only appear later in the progression of Lewy body dementia.
- However, this neurocognitive disorder causes frequent symptoms that impair concentration and attention span. It is possible to observe that these signs are not constant from one day to the next. These rather unpredictable fluctuations tend to affect the daily life of the person as well as that of their loved ones.
- Difficulties in orienting oneself in space and in one's environment are also characteristic symptoms of this disease. These visual perception disorders can have an impact on the ability to perform certain tasks and on reasoning skills.
Development of motor disorders
The motor symptoms that develop in patients with Lewy body dementia are very similar to those seen in people with Parkinson's disease.
Some key motor symptoms may then develop over time:
- tremors (visible both at rest and during movement);
- muscle stiffness;
- a slowdown in the various movements.
This refers to what is known as Parkinsonism or Parkinson's syndrome.
Although symptoms are relatively mild at first for most people, they may worsen as the disease progresses. In such cases, certain limitations on the person's daily activities may be observed:
- difficulty moving around and slow gait;
- balance problems and risk of falls;
- postural changes (tendency to bend forward);
- stiffness affecting even facial expressions;
- difficulty getting up from a seated position;
- as well as tremors that can complicate tasks requiring dexterity.
Want to learn more? We suggest you take a look at our article on Parkinson's disease and solutions to help older adults who have it.
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Behavioral changes and psychological disorders
Unfortunately, a diagnosis of Lewy body dementia also comes with the onset of problems affecting the person's behavior and mood. For some, these symptoms are noticeable from the onset of the disease. For others, they only appear later on.
These behavioral changes and other psychological disorders can manifest themselves in different ways.
- Visual hallucinations that can be intense and rather recurrent. Unfortunately, this symptom tends to appear early on and affects the majority of people with Lewy body disease.
- The development of depressive and anxiety symptoms.
- The psychotic symptoms associated with this neurodegenerative disease can even lead to delusions and episodes of paranoia.
How is Lewy body disease diagnosed?
Are you concerned that you may be suffering from Lewy body disease? Have you noticed that an elderly loved one is exhibiting certain symptoms consistent with this cognitive disorder? If so, it is important to discuss this with your doctor. Of course, only a doctor, or more specifically a specialist such as a neurologist, can diagnose this disease. Other professionals such as psychiatrists and neuropsychologists can also play an important role in the care of people with LBD.
The medical diagnosis is based primarily on symptoms and other clinical observations. However, additional medical tests and certain medical imaging techniques (such as MRI or CT scans) may also guide the specialist.
What treatments are available for this neurodegenerative disease?
Although there is no treatment to completely cure Lewy body dementia, there are solutions to help control some of the effects of this neurodegenerative disease.
- Taking medication used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease helps reduce certain cognitive symptoms.
- The use of medications also prescribed for patients with Parkinson's disease can help control motor symptoms such as tremors or stiffness.
- In some cases, antipsychotic drugs may be prescribed to treat delusions and hallucinations, for example. However, they must be used with caution, as some medications may amplify symptoms.
Of course, all of these treatments require a thorough medical evaluation and can only be prescribed by the attending physician or specialist. So take the time to check with your senior loved one's healthcare professional, who will be able to advise you on the most appropriate course of action to help improve their condition.
How can you help an elderly person with Lewy body dementia?
In addition to treatments directly related to the medical field, supportive care plays an equally important role in helping people with Lewy body dementia in their daily lives.
Home care tailored to the specific needs of seniors
An elderly person in your family or circle of friends has Lewy body dementia, and you are wondering what you can do to help them. Home care can be a tailored solution to assist them in their daily life.
Depending on the severity of symptoms and the stage of progression of this cognitive disorder, it is possible for some seniors to continue living at home despite the disease. However, these individuals will need assistance to help them with daily tasks. That is why various home care services exist.
Whatever the needs of your loved one, you can count on our team at Visavie. We will take the time to offer you the best home care services tailored to you and your loved one.
Finding a specialized senior living facility for cognitive disorders
In some cases, the best solution for the well-being of a person suffering from Lewy body disease is to find a specialized facility that can provide the necessary environment and care on site. In Quebec, some retirement homes are specially adapted for seniors suffering from various cognitive disorders.
If the progression of Lewy body dementia causes your elderly loved one to gradually lose their independence, it may be best for them to find a new living environment that is better suited to their needs.
Moving to a retirement home is a big step and can be difficult for some people. Our Visavie housing advisors are here to help you make this transition easier with personalized support.
In short, accepting a diagnosis of Lewy body disease is not easy, either for the person affected or for their loved ones and immediate family. The onset of symptoms such as hallucinations, the development of motor disorders, and behavioral changes can interfere with a person's full independence in their daily life. However, we firmly believe that good support will help people cope with this neurodegenerative disorder. At Visavie, our mission is to support seniors and their families with respect and dignity