Lewy-Body Dementia (LBD) differs significantly from Alzheimer's disease, with distinct memory changes and a wide range of symptoms. Nance Tobar, a caregiver for her father with LBD, shed light on the unique challenges associated with this condition.
Nance's father, Joe, experienced a misdiagnosis that led to severe cognitive decline due to the specific pathology of LBD. Hospitalization following a fall resulted in a change in Joe's medications, including the removal of a drug that stabilized his memory. Consequently, the family lost precious years with their father.
Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for LBD patients, as their reactions to certain medications can differ from those with other forms of dementia. Some drugs can exacerbate LBD symptoms, such as antipsychotics, which can be fatal for individuals with LBD. Fortunately, Nance received a warning about this potential danger before administering the medication to Joe.
LBD is the second most common form of dementia and can present with three main manifestations: movement issues, cognitive impairment, or neuropsychiatric symptoms like hallucinations, which Joe experienced. Regardless of the initial symptom, all presentations of LBD eventually develop similar cognitive, physical, sleep, and behavioral features.
Common LBD symptoms include impaired thinking (loss of executive function and memory), fluctuations in attention, movement problems, visual hallucinations, sleep disorders, mood changes, and alterations in body functions like blood pressure and bladder control.
To highlight the lack of understanding between LBD and Alzheimer's, Nance shared her personal story. Her experience during her father's hospitalization was challenging due to the absence of a proper diagnosis. Nance, who participates in a caregiver support group, expressed common feelings of guilt. However, she recognizes that she is doing her best to care for her father and aims to help other families by sharing her journey.
Even if one is not directly involved in caring for someone with LBD, Nance's insights offer valuable knowledge about senior health issues and foster compassion. Understanding the challenges faced by individuals with LBD enables better support and assistance for those in need.
Until next week, hang in there!
There are three things necessary for a podcast to be successful. One, great listeners like yourself. Two are sponsors who help cover the expenses of producing the podcast. Three great listeners who help support the podcast by taking advantage of the sponsors' special offers. With that said, here are our sponsors;
Pharma-C Company (previously Pharma-C Wipes)
Pharma-C-Wipes, helping you care for yourself and those you love.
​Life is a journey, and at Pharma-C-Wipes, we provide products that support you at each twist and turn.
PicnicHealthhttp://picnichealth.com/memories:
Your medical records are now in your hands. PicnicHealth collects, digitizes, and encrypts all your medical records—then arranges everything in one intuitive timeline. No need to worry about a doctor's note or the lab results. It's all there for easy reference right when you need it.
Make Your Brain Span Match Your LifeSpan
With Relevate nutritional supplement, you get science-backed nutrition to help protect your brain power today and for years to come. You deserve a brain span that lasts as long as your lifespan.
Join Fading Memories On Social Media!
If you've enjoyed this episode, please share this podcast with other caregivers! You'll find us on social media at the following links.
Contact Jen at fadingmemoriespodcast@gmail.com
