If you or a loved one has been told you have dementia, your default thought may be that the culprit is Alzheimer’s disease. However, numerous forms of dementia exist, all resulting from different causes. Lewy body dementia is estimated to be the third most common dementia.
Similar to other kinds of dementia, people with Lewy body dementia gradually lose their ability to reason and think. They also lose balance and coordination. Lewy body dementia may be confused with Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease, but there are distinct differences.
If you suspect a loved one has dementia, it’s important to get a correct diagnosis so doctors can appropriately treat the disease.
The Basics of Lewy Body Dementia
In Lewy body dementia, “Lewy bodies” (named after the researcher who discovered them) develop in your brain. These small protein deposits are thought to interfere with how nerve cells in your brain communicate.
People with Lewy body dementia may experience cognitive problems, such as difficulties with planning, reasoning and judgment. Lewy body dementia may also cause hallucinations. Patients with Lewy body dementia may sleep during the day, suffer from insomnia, or have vivid dreams and act out in their sleep. However, they don’t generally experience memory loss until far along in their disease progression.
Physically, Lewy body dementia may cause stiffness or palsy similar to those experienced in Parkinson’s disease.
Risk Factors for Lewy Body Dementia
Risk factors for Lewy body dementia include:
- Age (older than 50)
- Genetics
- Presence of certain diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease
However, Lewy body dementia is relatively rare—it only accounts for about 5%–10% of all dementias. If you or a loved one experiences signs of dementia, chances are it is Alzheimer’s disease.
While there’s no cure for Lewy body dementia, doctors can treat it with medications and therapy. The experts at University of Maryland Medical System facilities across the state have neurology programs that can identify and treat various dementias. Treatment may include movement rehabilitation and other therapies.
The University of Maryland Rehabilitation Network, a system of rehabilitation providers working together to help people recover from illness or injury, offers expert rehabilitation services for people who have movement challenges related to neurological disorders.
What Are the Stages of Lewy Body Dementia?
Lewy body dementia can be described in terms of seven stages, though people may slide through the early stages without anyone noticing. Typically, Lewy body dementia begins with no symptoms, followed by very mild to mild cognitive difficulties (stages 1–3). As cognitive problems move from mild to moderate, physicians may be able to diagnose the condition (stage 4).
In stages 5 and 6, people may develop Parkinsonian symptoms that interfere with movement, as well as moderately severe to severe cognitive problems. Eventually, people will need help with basic activities of daily life. The severe stage of Lewy body dementia may last up to 2.5 years.
Finally, patients will be unable to walk or communicate. This distressing seventh stage of the disease may last between a year and a half to 2.5 years.
Even though early detection isn’t always possible, it’s important to obtain a diagnosis for Lewy body dementia as soon as symptoms appear. That way, doctors can prescribe the most effective medications possible, and families can prepare for the kinds of support they will need in the future.
Take back the precious time you have lost with loved ones. Talk to a doctor near you about treatment options.
Other Types of Dementia
There are many different types of dementia, many of which have similar symptoms. Learn the signs and symptoms of these common types of dementia.
