Dementia

AnnAylmer

How is dementia with Lewey bodies different from others, and are symptoms different?

atlas46

Hi

You need to speak to a qualified medical practioner, someone like your GP.

They will provide detailed advice on this common condition, in the elderly.

Sam_Alumni

Hi @AnnAylmer
This is from the Alzheimers website: You can call them on 0300 111 5555

Dementia with Lewy bodies can cause comon dementia symptoms, including problems with memory and thinking skills.
There are also some more specific symptoms associated with the disease. Some of these symptoms are also seen in Parkinson’s dementia.
These symptoms include:

• Changes in alertness and attention, and periods of confusion, that may be unpredictable and change from hour-to-hour or day-to-day.

• Movement problems – Parkinson’s-type symptoms such as slower movements, stiffness in the arms and legs, and shaking or trembling.

• Visual hallucinations – Seeing things that are not really there, e.g. people or animals. These often happen repeatedly and are realistic and well-formed.

• Sleep disturbances – Vivid dreams, shouting out or moving while sleeping which can disrupt sleep, and may cause injury.

• Fainting, unsteadiness and falls.

• Sense of smell – Problems with detecting smells.

DLB is a progressive condition which means symptoms get worse over time. As the disease progresses, people will need increasing help with eating, moving, dressing and using the toilet. DLB can progress slowly over several years but the speed of change and type of symptoms can vary from person to person.

Sam_Alumni

The Parkinsons website says:

"Some people develop dementia after living with Parkinson's for some time. If they have had problems with movement for at least a year before experiencing dementia, this is known as Parkinson's dementia.

Dementia with Lewy bodies is diagnosed when someone has the symptoms of dementia either before or at the same time as developing Parkinson's-like problems with movement (called motor symptoms).
But in some cases of dementia with Lewy bodies, no motor symptoms develop at all."