What is Lewy Body Dementia?

Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) is a brain disorder that worsens over time, with early-stage symptoms often subtle and easily missed. It happens when abnormal protein deposits, called Lewy bodies, build up in the brain. These deposits disrupt the brain’s normal functioning, leading to a decline in cognitive, motor, and autonomic functions.

A 2021 study found that Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) is the second most common dementia after Alzheimer’s disease. It affects over 1.4 million people in the United States.

Lewy Body Dementia typically affects people aged 50 or older, although sometimes younger people have LBD. LBD affects slightly more men than women, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

What are the Types of Lewy Body Dementia

LBD is classified into two main types:

  1. Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB): Characterized by cognitive decline, visual hallucinations, and fluctuations in attention and alertness. Individuals may also experience movement disorders like Parkinson’s disease, such as tremors and stiffness. Doctors diagnose DLB based on these symptoms and may use brain scans and neurological tests.
  2. Parkinson’s Disease Dementia (PDD): Occurs in individuals with an established diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease who later develop dementia. Symptoms include memory difficulties, problem-solving challenges, and concentration issues, alongside the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s. Doctors diagnose PDD when cognitive symptoms appear at least a year after the onset of Parkinson’s disease.

What Causes Lewy Body Dementia?

The exact cause of LBD is unknown, but it likely involves genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Researchers identify the main feature of LBD as Lewy bodies. These are abnormal protein deposits in brain cells. These protein deposits disrupt brain function, contributing to the cognitive, motor, and behavioral symptoms associated with LBD.

Signs and Symptoms of Lewy Body Dementia

The symptoms of LBD can vary widely among individuals and often overlap with other neurological conditions. Common signs and symptoms include:

  • Cognitive Decline: Problems with attention, executive function challenges, memory problems, and visual-spatial abilities.
  • Fluctuating Attention: Significant variations in alertness and attention.
  • Hallucinations: Visual hallucinations are common and can be very detailed.
  • Motor Symptoms: Parkinsonism, including slow movement, tremors, and muscle rigidity.
  • Sleep Disturbances: Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (acting out dreams) is often an early sign.
  • Autonomic Dysfunction: Issues with blood pressure, heart rate, sweating, and digestion.

 

7 Stages of Lewy Body Dementia

 

Stage 1: No Cognitive Decline

In the first stage, there are no noticeable symptoms of cognitive decline. The person functions normally without any apparent signs of dementia.

Stage 2: Very Mild Cognitive Decline

During stage two, individuals may experience slight memory lapses or forget familiar words and locations. However, these symptoms may not be noticeable to family members or physicians at this point.

Stage 3: Mild Cognitive Decline

At stage three, mild cognitive impairment becomes noticeable, and a diagnosis may be close. People at this stage might have memory loss, forgetfulness, trouble concentrating, and problems with work or social activities.

Stage 4: Moderate Cognitive Decline

At stage four, most patients get a confirmed diagnosis because cognitive decline is obvious. Symptoms become clearly noticeable to family and physicians, including forgetfulness of recent events, difficulty performing complex tasks, and challenges in managing finances.

Stage 5: Moderately Severe Cognitive Decline

Once the disease progresses, the patient will begin to exhibit moderately severe cognitive decline. In this stage, the symptoms are moderately severe. They include significant confusion and forgetting things like addresses and phone numbers. They also experience difficulty in choosing suitable clothing for the weather and events.

Individuals in stage 5 often need assistance with daily activities.

Stage 6: Severe Cognitive Decline

In stage six of dementia, people need a lot of help to stay comfortable, usually for about 2.5 years. This stage involves severe cognitive decline and extensive memory loss, including forgetting the names of close family members. It also brings significant personality changes and the need for help with basic activities like eating and dressing.

Stage 7: Very Severe Cognitive Decline

Stage 7 typically the final stage of dementia. Individuals at this stage require significant assistance with daily tasks and often need continuous, round-the-clock care. This stage usually lasts 1.5-2.5 years. Symptoms include losing the ability to speak, needing help to walk or sit, and not being aware of their surroundings.

7 stages of Lewy Body Dementia.

Is Lewy Body Dementia Hereditary?

LBD is not hereditary, with most cases occurring without any clear family history. While certain genetic variants can increase the risk of developing LBD, these are rare. Having a family member with LBD or other dementias may slightly raise your risk. However, experts do not usually consider LBD a hereditary condition.

Currently, no genetic test can accurately predict the likelihood of developing LBD. The exact cause of LBD is still mostly unknown. However, ongoing genetic research might provide more insights into its causes and risks.

Lewy Body Dementia Diagnosis

Diagnosing LBD is often difficult. Its early symptoms can resemble those of neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s or psychiatric illnesses, making it challenging to distinguish from other dementia’s symptoms. This similarity frequently leads to misdiagnosis or missed diagnosis altogether. Diagnosis typically involves:

  • Medical History and Symptom Review: A thorough review of the patient’s medical history and symptoms.
  • Blood Test: Examining blood samples helps exclude other diseases. Additional tests can also identify hormonal imbalances and vitamin deficiencies linked to cognitive changes.
  • Neurological Examination: Assessing cognitive function, motor skills, and autonomic functions.
  • Brain Imaging: MRI or CT scans to rule out other conditions. If results are unclear, further tests like Fluorodeoxyglucose PET scans and SPECT or PET imaging are performed. These tests assess brain function and dopamine levels to help confirm LBD.
  • Sleep Studies: You may need a sleep evaluation called a polysomnogram to detect REM sleep behavior disorder.
  • Neuropsychological Testing: Detailed assessment of cognitive abilities.

Lewy Body Dementia Treatment 

While there is no cure for LBD, treatments focus on managing symptoms and improving quality of life for a few months. Treatment options include:

  • Medications: According to the Lewy Body Dementia Association, cholinesterase inhibitors are the primary treatment for cognitive symptoms in LBD, and levodopa addresses Parkinson’s symptoms. Additionally, antipsychotic medications are used with extreme caution to treat hallucinations.
  • Therapies: Along with medication, various therapies such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech and language therapy can help individuals with dementia.
  • Supportive Care: Counseling and support groups for patients and caregivers.

Lewy Body Dementia Life Expectancy

MedicalNewsToday reports that life expectancy for individuals with LBD varies. It typically ranges from 5 to 8 years after diagnosis. However, some may live longer with proper care and management. The progression rate of the disease can be influenced by overall health, age, and how early the diagnosis is made.

What Can You Do?

Family caregiver and loved one with dementia looking at a photo album.

If you or a loved shows any later symptoms or one is diagnosed with LBD, it is crucial to:

  • Seek Professional Help: Consult neurologists and other healthcare professionals for an accurate diagnosis. They will create a treatment plan tailored to managing LBD.
  • Stay Informed: Learn about the disease to better understand and manage symptoms.
  • Create a Support System: Engage with support groups and networks for emotional and practical assistance.
  • Plan: Make legal and financial plans and consider long-term care options.

How My Care Finders Can Help

At My Care Finders, our mission is to support seniors. We advocate for their needs. We help them find the right senior living options. Our services include:

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  • Support and Advocacy: Assisting with the transition to senior living, ensuring a smooth and supportive process.

Conclusion

Understanding the 7 stages of Lewy Body Dementia is important for patients and caregivers. This knowledge provides valuable insights. Early diagnosis and proper management can significantly improve the quality of life, even without a cure. Continuous research is essential to uncover more about this complex disease and develop better treatments in the future.

 

FAQs

What is the difference between Lewy Body Dementia from Alzheimer’s disease?

Lewy Body Dementia differs from Alzheimer’s in several ways. It has early movement symptoms and hallucinations. It also leads to changes in alertness and attention.

Can Lewy Body Dementia be cured?

There is currently no cure for LBD. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and improving quality of life.