Lewy Body

What Are the First Signs of Lewy Body Dementia?

Diane Carbo

Oct 16, 2023 — 9 min read

Introduction to Lewy Body Dementia

Lewy Body Dementia, commonly referred to as LBD, is a form of chronic brain disorder. It is progressive and can significantly impact the physical and mental abilities of those affected. Symptoms may include changes in behavior, memory problems, and difficulty with movement.

This guide will seek to provide information about the different risk factors associated with Lewy Body Dementia, as well as a detailed look at the early signs and symptoms that one should be aware of. It will also cover important points related to diagnosis, management, and treatment as well as options for accommodations and support systems for those living with this condition.

Risk Factors for Lewy Body Dementia

Lewy Body Dementia is an incurable condition that affects the lives of many people every year. Knowing the risk factors for this condition can help a person take proactive steps in order to prevent it or help with early detection.

The biggest risk factor for developing Lewy Body Dementia is age. People who are 65 or older are more likely to develop the condition than younger people. Other risk factors include a family history of the condition, having certain medical conditions such as Parkinson’s disease or being a current smoker.

Although there is no way to entirely prevent Lewy Body Dementia, there are proactive steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of developing it. Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding activities that involve smoking or excessive alcohol consumption can all help reduce the risk of the condition.

Symptoms of Lewy Body Dementia

Lewy Body Dementia can cause a wide variety of symptoms, from mild to severe, depending on the stage and severity of the condition. As the disease progresses, more signs will be present and the intensity of the symptoms may increase.

The most common symptoms of Lewy Body Dementia include cognitive changes, such as memory loss, difficulty with problem solving, trouble multitasking, and confusion; behavioral changes like depression, anxiety, apathy, aggression, and hallucinations; physical changes like tremors, difficulty moving, and impaired coordination; and sleep disturbances such as insomnia or excessive daytime sleepiness.

It is important to remember that each person's experience with this disease will be different and the symptoms can vary greatly between people. It is recommended that anyone who suspects that they or a loved one may be suffering from Lewy Body Dementia should seek medical advice from a qualified professional.

Diagnosing Lewy Body Dementia

When it comes to diagnosing Lewy Body Dementia, a doctor will look at the person's symptoms and medical history. The process can be lengthy and involve several steps, but ultimately, it's important for doctors to get a full understanding of the person and their condition.

In order to diagnose Lewy Body Dementia, a doctor will typically:

Take a full medical history
Review any scans or brain imaging that was done
Conduct a neurological exam
Perform blood tests and other lab work
Consider any other potential causes for the symptoms
Refer the patient to a specialist if needed

A doctor may also use specialized tests such as the mini-mental status examination or a cognitive assessment to help assess a person's thinking abilities. In some cases, a doctor may test the level of the hormone cortisol in the person's blood to rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms.

It is also important for a doctor to ask questions about the person’s family history, as a genetic connection may coincide with the development of Lewy Body Dementia.

Overall, diagnosing Lewy Body Dementia can take time, but it is an essential step in helping diagnose and treat the condition.

Differential Diagnoses

The diagnosis of Lewy Body Dementia can be tricky since many of its symptoms (such as memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and depression) can be caused by other medical conditions. It is therefore important to rule out these other conditions before a formal diagnosis can be made. In addition, some forms of Lewy Body Dementia, such as dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and Parkinson's disease with dementia (PDD), have overlapping symptoms.

To properly diagnose a person with Lewy Body Dementia, a doctor will take a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical exam. Blood tests, urine tests, neurological tests, and imaging scans may also be performed in order to identify any other possible underlying causes for the symptoms.

In addition, the doctor may look for signs of an abnormal protein in the brain called alpha-synuclein. This protein is found heavily in the brains of people with Lewy Body Dementia and can be detected through genetic testing.

Finally, the doctor may ask the patient’s family members and caregivers about any changes that they have observed in the patient’s behavior. This can help paint a fuller picture of the patient’s cognitive decline so that an accurate diagnosis can be made.

What are the First Signs of Lewy Body Dementia?

Lewy body dementia (LBD) is a progressive neurological disorder that affects many aspects of an individual’s life. It is essential to be aware of and recognize the early signs of the condition in order to make sure you or someone close to you is properly diagnosed and cared for.

The first signs of LBD can often be subtle, which makes early detection difficult. However, being aware of potential signs can be crucial in helping regain control over one's health and life. To increase the chances of early diagnosis, it is critical to be aware of the following cognitive, behavioral, and physical changes that can signal the onset of LBD.

Cognitive Changes

Impaired thinking or memory
Difficulty making decisions
Difficulty concentrating
Confusion or disorientation

Behavioral Changes

Changes in personality or behavior
Sleeping difficulties
Anxiety and/or depression
Excessive daytime drowsiness

Physical Changes

Tremors, muscle rigidity, or difficulty walking
Slowed movements or speech
Visual hallucinations or illusions

If you or a loved one experience any of these symptoms, seek medical advice as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment of LBD can help individuals maintain better control of their lives.

Management and Treatment of Lewy Body Dementia

Living with Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) can be difficult, but there are treatments and management strategies available that can improve quality of life. These can include lifestyle modifications, medications, and therapy.

Living a Healthy Lifestyle
Exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep can all help to manage symptoms of Lewy Body Dementia. Additionally, staying socially active and involved in activities that stimulate the mind can also help to reduce symptom severity.

Medications
Although there is no one single drug that is prescribed to treat Lewy Body Dementia, medications such as cholinesterase inhibitors are often used to improve the symptoms of dementia, including confusion, agitation, and memory problems. Other medications can be used to address specific symptoms, such as antipsychotic medications for hallucinations and anti-anxiety medications for anxiety and depression.

Therapy
Therapy is often recommended for both the person living with LBD as well as their caregivers. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) has been shown to improve coping strategies and help reduce stress and anxiety. Additionally, individual or group counseling can also be beneficial. Therapy can also provide an opportunity for everyone involved to discuss their feelings and learn how to best interact with the person living with Lewy Body Dementia.

Important Things to Note

When it comes to Lewy Body Dementia, there are certain important points that are important to note. First, there is currently no cure for this condition, so treatment is focused on easing symptoms and managing the illness rather than curing it. Additionally, early diagnosis and intervention are essential for providing the best possible outcome. This is because, as the condition progresses, more severe symptoms can arise and have a greater impact on a person's quality of life.

It is also important to understand that Lewy Body Dementia can cause changes to both cognitive and physical functioning. As such, it can be difficult to spot the early signs and gain an accurate diagnosis. Therefore, it is important to speak honestly and openly with a physician about any concerns and to ensure that a complete battery of tests is offered.

Accommodations for Lewy Body Dementia

Living with Lewy Body Dementia can be a difficult process. It can be helpful to create a home and environment that is tailored to the needs of a person living with this condition. Here are a few ideas for accommodations that can make daily life easier for those with Lewy Body Dementia:

Label items clearly to reduce confusion.
Establish routines, as familiarity and structure can help reduce agitation and confusion.
Keep distractions to a minimum and create a calm environment.
Organize items to reflect the habits of the person with Lewy Body Dementia.
Limit choices to reduce decision-making fatigue.
Provide cues to support daily activities.
Keep a written list of contact information for caregivers and family members.
Set up safety alerts on essential items such as the stove, refrigerator, etc.

Making simple adjustments to a home and environment can help make living with Lewy Body Dementia easier. It is also important to remember that the needs of each individual living with this condition may vary, so it’s important to tailor accommodations to their specific needs.

Support Systems Are Essential

Living with Lewy Body Dementia can be overwhelming for the person and their family members. It is important to understand that you are not alone and having a support system of family, friends, and other caregivers can make a huge difference.

Family members play an important role in providing much needed support to a loved one with Lewy Body Dementia. Not only do they provide physical and emotional support, they can help with making medical decisions, arranging doctor visits, managing finances, and advocating for the patient’s needs.

Friends and other caregivers can also provide vital assistance and companionship to someone living with Lewy Body Dementia. They can lend a listening ear, help with activities of daily living, and provide a distraction from the symptoms.

As with any caregiving journey, it is important to take care of yourself too. If you are feeling overwhelmed, seek out resources and support groups in your area or online that can provide guidance and compassion.

Talk to your health care provider for help in finding local support groups and resources.
The Lewy Body Dementia Association (LBDA) is an organization that offers support and educational resources.
The Alzheimer’s Association has resources specifically for caregivers of those with Lewy Body Dementia.
Online support groups can provide comfort, understanding, and advice from people who are going through similar experiences. Reach out to fellow caregivers, ask questions, share stories, and find comfort knowing others are there to support you.

It is essential for everyone affected by Lewy Body Dementia to have access to the right kind of support. These resources are available to help you on your caregiving journey.

Understanding the early signs of Lewy Body Dementia can be critical for providing the best possible care for a loved one who has been diagnosed. Early diagnosis can help to ensure access to appropriate therapies and treatments, as well as provide support for the person affected and their family.

Some of the first signs of this condition include cognitive changes such as a decline in memory and thinking, as well as physical changes like stiffening of the muscles, slowed movement, and other motor difficulties. Additionally, Lewy Body Dementia may lead to problems with sleeping, hallucinations, and changes in mood or behavior.

It is important to recognize that there is no definitive test or “cure” for Lewy Body Dementia, but there are many treatments and management strategies available that can help improve quality of life. This includes medications, lifestyle modifications, and therapies. It is also beneficial to make accommodations for the individual in their home and environment in order to create a safe home environment, as well as to create a supportive network of family members, friends, and other caregivers to help provide support.

By understanding the first signs of Lewy Body Dementia and seeking treatment early, it is possible to ensure that individuals receive the best possible care and support.