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Lewy-Body dementia is very different than Alzheimer's. While physical changes are similar, cognitive changes can be vastly different. Equally challenging, Lewy-Body dementia can present with a range of symptoms. These include problems with thinking, memory, moving, sleep, and/or changes in behavior.
To better understand the unique challenges of LBD, I spoke to Nance Tobar. Nance is caring for her father, who has LBD. A misdiagnosis caused severe changes in his cognitive abilities due to the unique pathology of Lewy-Body.
Nance's dad, Joe, fell and became hospitalized. As a result, his medications were changed. Notably, they took him off one medication to stabilize his memory. Consequently, the family lost 2-3 good years with their Dad.
Early and accurate diagnosis is important because LBD patients may react to certain medications differently than other memory patients. A variety of drugs can worsen LBD symptoms. Joe was prescribed an antipsychotic. Thankfully, Nance was warned of the danger before she gave him any. Anti-psychotics can be fatal to a person with LBD.
About Lewy-Body
Notably, LBD is the second most common form of dementia. Generally, LBD can have three common presentations; movement issues, cognitive impairment, or neuropsychiatric symptoms, including hallucinations. Joe had hallucinations.
Regardless of the initial symptom, all three presentations will develop very similar cognitive, physical, sleep, and behavioral features over time.
The most common symptoms of LBD include:
Impaired thinking, such as loss of executive function (planning, processing information), memory, or the ability to understand visual information.
Fluctuations in attention or alertness;
Problems with movement, such as stiffness, slowness, and difficulty walking
Visual hallucinations
Sleep disorders, like acting out one’s dreams while asleep
Depression, apathy, anxiety, agitation, delusions, or paranoia
Changes in body functions include blood pressure control, temperature regulation, and bladder and bowel function.
To emphasize the lack of understanding of the differences between LBD and Alzheimer's, I talked to Nance. Her story illustrates the struggles that can happen due to not having a proper diagnosis. Nance and I are in the same caregiver support group. Just after her Dads, hospitalization was a rough time for her.
The changes due to the medication trials make her feel very guilty. Caregiver guilt is common, but Nance has nothing to feel guilty about. She's caring for her father the best way she can. Sharing their stories is her way of helping other families.
Even if you are not caring for someone with Lewy-Body, you'll find this conversation insightful. Understanding all we can about senior health issues makes us all more compassionate. Realizing what challenges people are facing also makes it easier to provide help.
Podcast Housekeeping Notes
Some quick podcast housekeeping! Make sure to check out our new YouTube channel. We're still creating it but take a look anyway. In addition to weekly video podcast episodes, there will be unique content specifically for YouTube.
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Until next week, hang in there!
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