Lewy body dementia (LBD) is a brain disorder in which abnormal proteins known as Lewy bodies accumulate. These proteins alter how someone thinks, moves, behaves, and feels. Since it can cause so many types of symptoms, doctors often misdiagnose Lewy body dementia as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s at first.
If your loved one has been diagnosed with Lewy body dementia, you’re not alone. LBD is the second most common form of dementia, according to the Lewy Body Dementia Association, affecting about 1.4 million people in the United States.
Our memory care communities provide specialized support for people with Lewy body dementia, and that support is available for your whole family. This article provides an overview of Lewy body dementia and what to expect.
Our Promise is to love and care for your family as we do our own.
Core Symptoms of Lewy Body Dementia
Lewy body dementia causes three main types of symptoms that families often notice:
- Loss of thinking abilities
- Movement problems
- Behavior and sleep changes
Understanding the symptoms of Lewy body dementia and how it progresses can help your family prepare as your loved one’s symptoms become more noticeable.
Loss of Thinking Abilities
When thinking abilities decline enough to affect daily life, it’s called dementia. You might notice these changes in your loved one:
- Loss of attention span
- Trouble judging distances
- Inability to recognize objects
- Loss of problem-solving abilities
- Confusion about time and place
Memory problems may not be noticeable at first, but they often appear later.
Movement Problems
Lewy body dementia also affects the parts of the brain that control movement. You may also notice:
- Stiff, tight muscles
- Balance and coordination problems
- Slower movements
- Swallowing problems
- Shaking and tremors
- Weak voice
- Changes in posture
Behavior and Sleep Changes
Lewy body dementia affects mood, sleep, and how they see the world. Your loved one may experience:
- Visual hallucinations that seem realistic
- Delusions, such as believing someone long dead is alive
- Acting out dreams, often with violent movements and falling out of bed
- Insomnia and daytime sleepiness
- Restless leg syndrome
- Depression, anxiety, and agitation
Why Doctors Often Misdiagnose Lewy Body Dementia
Many families visit multiple doctors before receiving an accurate diagnosis of Lewy body dementia. Lewy body dementia may initially affect only one part of the brain.
Early symptoms of Lewy body dementia can look like Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease, so doctors may not recognize it right away.
Our Kensington Senior Living team understands how frustrating it can be when you’re trying to help your loved one. Our memory care communities provide supportive, informed care at every stage of Lewy body dementia.
We can help you understand the diagnosis and determine when a new medical evaluation is appropriate.
Lewy Body Dementia vs. Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease and LBD affect the brain differently at first, which is why symptoms look different in the early stages.
Memory problems are typically the earliest sign of Alzheimer’s. In Lewy body dementia, memory problems usually appear later.
The early symptoms of Lewy body dementia usually affect attention, perception, and planning. These symptoms can show up later in people with Alzheimer’s.
Lewy Body Dementia vs. Parkinson’s Disease
Lewy body dementia and Parkinson’s disease are closely related. Both are caused by the same protein, and both affect movement and thinking. The main difference is which symptoms appear first.
In Parkinson’s disease, movement problems are the first to appear. If dementia develops with Parkinson’s, at least a year passes first. This is known as the one-year rule.
When to Seek a Neurologist for Lewy Body Dementia
You know your loved one better than anyone. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts. Lewy body dementia symptoms can come and go or be subtle at first, but they’ll become more noticeable over time. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact a neurologist as soon as possible:
- Changes in alertness from hour to hour
- Visual hallucinations
- REM sleep disorder (acting out dreams)
Going to the doctor about these symptoms is scary. However, an early diagnosis can protect your loved one from dangerous medication mistakes.
For example, antipsychotics are commonly prescribed for hallucinations, but they can be deadly to someone with Lewy body dementia.
Many families see multiple doctors before they get a correct diagnosis. Ask for a referral to a neurologist experienced with LBD.
A Kensington Senior Living community can help connect you with specialists.
How Kensington Senior Living Supports Families Navigating Lewy Body Dementia
At Kensington Senior Living, our memory care teams understand the unique challenges of Lewy body dementia and provide specialized support for both residents and their families.
All of our communities offer specialized memory care neighborhoods tailored to your loved one’s condition.
Our approach with every resident focuses on:
- Reducing stress
- Promoting comfort
- Personalizing care
We celebrate and honor every resident as a unique person. Our team is comforting, warm, and patient. Families notice their loved ones feel more supported and less frustrated in our communities.
You’ll be able to enjoy a meal on us anytime you visit your loved one. If your loved one is still living at home, our door is still open through our educational events, open to the public.
Get the Support Your Loved One Needs
A Lewy body dementia diagnosis changes your loved one’s abilities, but it doesn’t change who they are or what they mean to you.
Our Promise is to love and care for your family as we do our own. We’d love to talk with you about how we can support your family.
Contact the Kensington Senior Living team today to schedule a visit or have a compassionate conversation about LBD care for your loved one.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lewy Body Dementia
LBD is not typically hereditary. Most cases occur without family history, though a small percentage may have genetic variants.
Early signs include acting out dreams during sleep, seeing things that aren’t there, movement problems, and changes in alertness throughout the day. If your loved one shows multiple symptoms, consult a neurologist.
Doctors review medical history, do brain and movement exams, and look for symptoms like hallucinations and changing alertness. No single test can diagnose it.
Yes, symptoms can be managed with medications and therapies, though there’s no cure. Treatment must be carefully tailored since people with LBD react differently to certain medications.
LBD causes seeing things that aren’t there and movement problems much earlier than Alzheimer’s. It affects attention and planning first, while Alzheimer’s affects memory first.