Early Signs of Lewy Body Dementia You Shouldn't Ignore

ByAgkidzone Staff

Updated: Oct 2, 2024

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Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) is a complex brain disorder marked by the buildup of abnormal protein clumps, known as Lewy bodies, in the brain. These clumps interfere with brain function, leading to cognitive decline that gradually worsens. LBD comes in two primary forms: dementia with Lewy bodies and Parkinson's disease dementia. While these forms are related, they present unique symptoms. People with LBD often experience a range of symptoms such as visual and non-visual hallucinations, confusion, and changes in attention, alertness, and cognitive abilities. While there is no cure for LBD, there are several strategies that can help manage the symptoms effectively.

Difficulty with Concentration

One of the hallmarks of LBD is the difficulty individuals have maintaining concentration, alertness, and attention. These shifts in cognitive abilities may vary greatly from day to day—or even within the same day. It’s this unpredictability in alertness that helps doctors distinguish LBD from other forms of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s.

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Memory Loss: A Sign That Progresses Over Time

Unlike Alzheimer’s, where memory problems show up early, LBD tends to delay memory issues until later in the disease. However, once memory issues appear, they often involve confusion about time and place, challenges with language and numbers, and impaired judgment.

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Confusion and Hallucinations

Many individuals with LBD experience vivid hallucinations, particularly visual ones. These hallucinations tend to appear early on and are often detailed and realistic. While visual hallucinations are common, people with LBD may also experience hallucinations affecting other senses, though these are less frequent. Treatment for hallucinations may not always be necessary unless they cause distress or dangerous behavior.

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Changes in Movement and Mobility

In Parkinson’s disease dementia, movement symptoms like tremors or muscle stiffness may start more than a year before cognitive issues arise. Common symptoms include slow movement, shuffling while walking, and tremors in the hands and feet, especially when at rest. These movement challenges can make day-to-day activities more difficult, adding an extra layer of complexity to LBD management.

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Sleep Disruptions

Sleep disorders are frequent in people with LBD, often flying under the radar. Common sleep issues include insomnia, restless leg syndrome, REM sleep behavior disorder (where people act out their dreams), and excessive daytime sleepiness. These sleep disturbances can worsen issues with concentration and cognition, making management even more crucial.

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Rapid Symptom Changes

A frustrating aspect of LBD is the rapid changes in symptoms. Some people may experience stable symptoms for a while, while others find their abilities can change quickly. Over time, these fluctuations typically give way to a steady decline in cognitive and physical abilities. How fast the disease progresses varies greatly from person to person, but the eventual outcome is always a progressive decline.

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Balance and Movement Challenges

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Sensitivity to Medications

Managing hallucinations in individuals with LBD can be tricky, especially because they often react poorly to certain medications. Studies show that about 81% of people with LBD who take antipsychotics experience adverse reactions, with half of them being severe. These reactions can include increased cognitive impairment, movement problems, and even a dangerous condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Therefore, it’s important to manage medications under a doctor’s supervision carefully.

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Psychological and Mood Changes

As LBD progresses, it doesn’t just affect memory and movement—it also brings significant psychological changes. People with LBD might experience agitation, anxiety, depression, delusions, or paranoia. Behavioral changes such as repetitive questioning, pacing, or becoming fearful when a loved one is absent are common as well. These psychological effects can be distressing, both for the individual and their caregivers, making emotional support and professional counseling key components of care.

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Risk Factors for Lewy Body Dementia

Although scientists are still unraveling the exact causes of LBD, certain risk factors have been identified. Age is the biggest risk factor, with most people developing LBD after age 50, and it’s more common in men than women. Conditions like REM sleep behavior disorder and loss of smell also appear linked to a higher risk of LBD. While having a family member with LBD may raise the risk slightly, the condition is not considered hereditary, and there is no available genetic test to predict its development.

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Diagnosing and Treating LBD

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Managing Lewy Body Dementia

There’s no way to prevent LBD, but proactive management can improve the quality of life for those living with it. Working with a skilled care team to address symptoms early can help keep them manageable for longer periods. Building a support system, including friends and family, is also essential, as the disease impacts daily life in ways that often require help. For example, people with LBD may experience orthostatic hypotension, a condition where blood pressure drops suddenly when standing up. This can cause dizziness or fainting, but there are ways to manage it, like standing up slowly, wearing compression socks, or elevating the legs while sitting. Digestive issues like constipation are also common and can be managed through hydration, a healthy diet, exercise, or medications like stool softeners or laxatives when needed.

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Coping with Daily Life and Safety Concerns

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Living with Lewy Body Dementia

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Key Takeaways

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