Dementia with Lewy Bodies

Dementia with Lewy Bodies is another form of dementia that shares similar symptoms with Alzheimer‘s and Parkinson’s. As a result it is difficult to diagnose and perhaps under-diagnosed; however, the disease still effects approximately 10% of older dementia patients. Despite this, in certain rare cases people under the age of 65 have developed the disease.

Lewy Bodies

Lewy Bodies are microscopic protein deposits found in the brain’s nerve cells. Their presence in the brain interferes with the normal functioning of important chemical messengers that communicate between the brain and the rest of the body.

This interference causes the brain to gradually deteriorate and results in the symptoms typical of dementia and those specific to Lewy Bodies Dementia sufferers.

Signs and symptoms of Lewy Body Dementia.

The effects of Lewy Body Dementia are gradual and progress at roughly the same rate as Alzheimer’s. While it shares many of its symptoms with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s there are specific signs that distinguish Lewy Body Dementia from the other two. For example, when looking through a patient’s history, a doctor will focus on instances of hallucinations and sleep disturbances that are common to sufferers of Lewy Body Dementia.

Dementia patients are also likely to experience:

  • Faint/dizzy spells
  • Fluctuations in autonomic processes – changes in blood pressure, body temperature, incontinence, constipation.
  • Sleepless nights – hallucinations are more likely to occur at night.

Treatment

There is no cure for Lewy Bodies Dementia. There are, however, certain treatments that can relieve and inhibit some of the symptoms.

As Lewy Bodies Dementia shares symptoms with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, there are drugs and treatments for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s that can help control the symptoms of Lewy Bodies Dementia. For example:

  • Cholinesterase Inhibitor Drugs – these drugs were originally used to treat Alzheimer’s, but research suggests that they are useful in treating Lewy Bodies Dementia.
  • Memantine (Ebixa) – studies suggest that this drug may improve sufferer’s day to day functioning –e.g. everyday physical tasks.
  • Neuroleptics – strong tranquilizers used to calm people with severe mental health problems who are considered to be a danger to themselves or those around them.

    • These drugs are thought to be particularly dangerous for patients of Lewy Bodies Dementia, as they can induce Parkinson-like side effects:

    • rigidity
    • immobility
    • inability to communicate

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