What is Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) and how it can be treated?
Lewy body dementia (LBD) is the 2nd most common type of progressive dementia after Alzheimer’s disease.
LBD is not a rare disease. It affects more than a million people and their families in the United States alone. Because LBD symptoms may closely resemble other more commonly known disorders like Alzheimer’s disease and/or Parkinson’s , it is currently widely under-diagnosed.
LBD is an umbrella term for two related diagnoses:
A person with “dementia with Lewy bodies” will develop dementia and other LBD symptoms, one of which may be changes in movement like a tremor (parkinsonism).
In the other form of LBD, people will present first with changes in movement leading to a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis; over time many will develop dementia years later. This is diagnosed as “Parkinson’s disease dementia”.
Over time, people with both diagnoses will develop very similar cognitive, physical, sleep, and behavioral symptoms. The earliest symptoms of dementia with Lewy bodies and Parkinson’s disease dementia are different, but both are due to the same underlying biological changes in the brain.
LBD is a multi-system disease and usually requires a comprehensive treatment approach with a collaborative team of physicians and other health care professionals like occupational, physical or speech therapists. Early diagnosis and treatment may extend your quality of life and independence. Many people with LBD enjoy significant lifestyle improvement with a comprehensive treatment approach, and some may even experience little change from year to year.
Consider what kind of help you need
As LBD progresses, taking care of a loved one becomes more challenging. Looking for help is not a sign of weakness or selfishness. Advanced cases of dementia require a certain level of commitment and knowledge that, sometimes, we might just not be able to provide. As we look for assistance, is very important to have some things in mind.
You know your loved one’s routines, medical concerns and personality. Does your loved one need:
Consistent companionship and socialization?
Supervision during certain hours of the day for safety reasons?
Help with dressing, bathing or eating?
Medical assistance with injections, a catheter or a medical device, such as an oxygen tank?
Also, take into consideration your own needs. Do you need regular help with certain household chores or short breaks from your caregiving responsibilities? Your answers to these questions will help guide you to the appropriate caregivers and Home Care Agencies.