How Is Lewy Body Dementia Treated Is There A Cure
What is dementia with Lewy bodies?
There is no cure for Lewy body dementia . Medications and nonmedical therapies, like physical, occupational and speech therapies, manage symptoms as much as possible. Medications called cholinesterase inhibitors help manage the cognitive symptoms of LBD. Memantine may also be helpful. Symptoms of Parkinsonism, like tremors, are usually treated with levodopa, a drug commonly used to treat Parkinsons disease. You or your loved one may also benefit from treatments like physical therapy or speech therapy. These treatments help retain physical function and improve muscle strength. Outlook For Dementia With Lewy BodiesHow quickly dementia with Lewy bodies gets worse varies from person to person. Home-based help will usually be needed, and some people will eventually need care in a nursing home. The average survival time after diagnosis is similar to that of Alzheimer’s disease around 6 to 12 years. But this is highly variable and some people live much longer than this. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with dementia, remember that you’re not alone. The NHS and social services, as well as voluntary organisations, can provide advice and support for you and your family. How Does Lewy Body Dementia Differ From Alzheimers DiseaseMost are familiar with Alzheimerâs disease, but chances are, if you ask anyone on the street what Lewy body dementia is, they wonât have a clue. The prevalence of dementia with Lewy bodies is unknown, but dementia experts believe that LBD accounts for between 10% and 15% of all dementia cases. As with other forms of dementia, LBD is a progressive brain disorder. It occurs when abnormal deposits of a protein called alpha-synuclein build up in the areas of the brain responsible for regulating behavior, cognition and movement. These deposits are called Lewy bodies. According to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinsonâs Research, there is compelling evidence from recent studies that alpha-synuclein may also play a role in the development of both familial and sporadic cases of Parkinson’s disease. In fact, LBD shares symptoms with both Alzheimerâs and Parkinsonâs disease. You May Like: What Diseases Are Similar To Alzheimer’s Make Plans For The End Of LifeAdvance care planning is an important part of end of life care. Planning ahead can improve the quality of life of the person with LBD and their caregivers and help ensure that the person with LBD has input into health care and legal and financial decisions. Having these conversations early allows the person to actively participate in the decision-making process and express their personal wishes. For health care providers and caregivers who donât have experience with LBD, it can be challenging to recognize the end of life. LBD is unpredictable. It can be hard to know when the person will die, and the process may be shorter or longer than expected, which may make coping more difficult. Staying in touch with the personâs physician can help you decide when to pursue end of life care and what to expect towards the end of life. Some physicians may be unlikely to initiate end of life conversations. It is important for caregivers to take an active role during appointments and come prepared. Spending time and doing simple activities together towards the end of life may help ease the process. Listening to music, spending time outdoors, or watching a favorite television show are just a few examples of activities you can do. Some family members find a lot of value in simply holding their loved oneâs hand and talking to them in their last few days. What Can I Expect If I Or My Loved One Have A Diagnosis Of Lewy Body Dementia![]() Each persons experience with Lewy body dementia is unique to them. How slowly or quickly the disease progresses is impossible to know, but may be influenced by your general health and any existing diseases you may have. Because LBD is a progressive disease, difficulties with mind and body functions get worse over time. Currently, there is no known way to stop the progression of the disease. After diagnosis, most people with LBD live between five and seven years. Some people with LBD live up to 20 years after their diagnosis. However, theres always hope. Research on LBD, dementia with lewy bodies, Alzheimers disease, Parkinsons disease with dementia are ongoing. New medications are being developed and new approaches to treatment are being investigated. Read Also: Does Dementia Shorten Your Lifespan Caring For Someone With Lewy Body DementiaCaring for someone with LBD, or any form of dementia, is hugely challenging. Just as LBD can impact every aspect of a person, caring for someone with the disease can impact every aspect of your daily life. Youll likely face tests of stamina, problem solving, and resiliency. However, your caregiving journey can also be an intensely rewarding experience as long as you take care of yourself and get the support that you need. Treating Movement Symptoms In Lewy Body DementiaLBD-related movement symptoms may be treated with medications used for Parkinson’s disease, called carbidopa-levodopa. These drugs can help make it easier to walk, get out of bed, and move around. However, they cannot stop or reverse the disease itself. Side effects of this medication can include hallucinations and other psychiatric or behavioral problems. Because of this risk, physicians may recommend not treating mild movement symptoms with medication. Other Parkinson’s medications are less commonly used in people with LBD due to a higher frequency of side effects. People with LBD may benefit from physical therapy and exercise. Talk with your doctor about what physical activities are best. Also Check: How Do You Test For Dementia The Painful Truth About Lewy Body DementiaDawn Hamilton, a caregiver whose husband John developed LBD, graciously shared her personal story of living with someone from LBD. Caregiver perspectives are a valuable way to help others who are experiencing this difficult disease.; In this video, Dawn shares the following:
Diagnosing Lewy Body Dementia
Mayo Clinic Minute: What is Lewy body dementia?
Distinguishing LBD from other forms of dementia can be difficult. Early, accurate diagnosis is critical because some medications may be better suited for people with LBD than Alzheimers and some medications can be less favorable, even dangerous, for people with LBD.; Here are several common symptoms of LBD:
Read Also: Do Alzheimer Patients Talk In Their Sleep Movement Problems And Lewy Body DementiaSome people with LBD may not experience significant movement problems for several years. Others may have them early on. At first, movement symptoms, such as a change in handwriting, may be very mild and easily overlooked. Movement problems may include:
What Other Things HelpThere are various ways to help a person with DLB. Speech therapy may help improve communication between people with DLB and others. Physical therapy may help strengthen and stretch stiff muscles and help to prevent falls. Research has shown that;physical exercise helps to enhance brain health and improves mood and general fitness. A balanced diet, enough;sleep, and limited alcohol intake are other important ways to promote good brain health. Other illnesses that affect the brain, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, should also be treated if present. Read Also: Is Lewy Body Dementia A Genetic Disorder Understand Behavioral Changes In Lewy Body DementiaBehavioral and mood problems in people with LBD can arise from hallucinations, delusions, pain, illness, stress, or anxiety. They may also be the result of frustration, fear, or feeling overwhelmed. The person may resist care or lash out verbally or physically. Hallucinations and delusions are among the biggest challenges for LBD caregivers. The person with LBD may not understand or accept that the hallucinations are not real and may become agitated or anxious. Instead of arguing, caregivers can help by responding to the fears expressed. By tuning in to the person’s emotions, caregivers can offer empathy and concern, maintain the person’s dignity, and limit further tension. Caregivers can try a variety of strategies to handle such challenging behaviors. Some behavioral problems can be managed by making changes in the person’s environment and/or treating medical conditions. Other problems may require medication. Itâs also common for people with LBD to have difficulty falling asleep. Certain sleep problems can be addressed without medications. Increasing daytime exercise or activities and avoiding lengthy or frequent naps can promote better sleep. Avoiding alcohol, caffeine, or chocolate late in the day can help, too. Some over-the-counter medications can also affect sleep, so review all medications and supplements with a physician. Stage Five: Moderately Severe Cognitive Decline![]() Stage five is marked by moderately severe cognitive decline. Individuals in this stage often have notable memory loss and begin to struggle with daily activities. Significant details such as address or phone number may be difficult to recall, and those with stage five dementia will likely need assistance with tasks such as meal preparation and bathing. You May Like: How To Get Tested For Alzheimer’s Gene Never Underestimate The Power Of Your Presence And SupportAt the same time, caregivers must also prioritize their health too especially since LBDs unique set of symptoms and steady decline can be physically demanding and emotionally challenging. So while your loved one with LBD needs care and support, don’t forget your own needs. Remember to
All of these things can help you provide the best care without sacrificing your own health and wellness. Psychosocial Spiritual And Emotional Care For Lewy Body DementiaA terminal Lewy body dementia diagnosis is often a heavy blow to a patients mental and emotional wellness. Hospice recognizes the impact of a terminal diagnosis upon not only the patient, but the patients family and friends as well. The hospice care team provides:
Don’t Miss: Is Reading Good For Dementia How Is Lewy Body Dementia TreatedThere arent any drugs that may stop or reverse Lewy body dementia (LBD, and research is still ongoing. Medications to relieve symptoms include:
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