Lewy Body Dementia

DisclaimerThis page is not here to be used as a self-diagnosis, self-identification, or promotion - it's simply here to be informational. Whether or not one self-diagnoses, self-identifies, and/or seeks a professional diagnosis is up to them.UnrealityThe following page includes discussions of unreality, including delusions, hallucinations, derealization, and depersonalization. If you are uncomfortable or get triggered by this topic, it is recommended to not read this page.

**Lewy Body Dementia (LBD)**, also known as **Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB)**, causes a progressive decline in mental abilities. It leads to the decline in thinking, reasoning and independent function. It is similar to Parkinson's disease, but they are not the same thing, but LBD may cause some or all motor symptoms of Parkinson's.

## Signs & Symptoms

Lewy body dementia symptoms may resemble those of other neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease. Symptoms fluctuate over time and vary from individual to individual.

The symptoms of LBD can be grouped into the following categories:

### Movement Symptoms

One of the core features of LBD is parkinsonism, which is an umbrella term that refers to brain conditions that cause issues in movement, including:

* Slowed movements (bradykinesia)
* Rigidity or stiffness
* Tremors

Some individuals with LBD may not experience significant movement issues for several years, while others may experience them early on. At first, movement symptoms may be easy to miss.

Other movements symptoms of LBD include:

* Balance problems
* Shuffling walk
* Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
* Reduced facial expressions
* Frequent falls
* Loss of coordination
* Smaller handwriting than what's typical for the individual

### Cognitive Symptoms

Fluctuating cognitive function is a specific feature of Lewy body dementia. An individual with LBD may experience periods of being alert and coherent between periods of being confused and unresponsive. This can change from day to day within the same day.

Other cognitive symptoms include declines in:

* Planning abilities
* Problem-solving skills
* Decision-making
* Memory
* Ability to focus
* Understanding information in visual form

Visual hallucinations occur in up to 80% of individuals with LBD. Other types of hallucinations are less common, but may also occur.

Decreased depth perception, trouble recognizing objects and impaired hand-eye coordination are also common.

Memory problems may not be present at first, but often arise as LBD progresses.

### Sleep Symptoms

Sleep disorders are common in individuals with LBD, particularly REM sleep behavior disorder.

Other sleep issues associated with LBD include:

* Excessive daytime drowsiness
* Changes in sleep patterns
* Insomnia

### Dysautonomia Symptoms

Dysautonomia is a general term for a group of disorders that share an autonomic nervous system (ANS) that doesn't function as it should. This includes involuntary body functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, digestion, etc.

Individuals with LBD can experience issues with their autonomic nervous system, which may result in the following symptoms:

* Changes in body temperature
* Blood pressure
* Dizziness
* Fainting
* Sensitivity to heat and cold
* Sexual dysfunction
* Urinary incontinence
* Fecal incontinence
* Constipation

### Behavioral Symptoms

Individuals with LBD may experience behavior and mood changes, which may worsen over time with their thinking abilities. Symptoms may include:

* Depression
* Anxiety
* Agitation, restlessness and aggression
* Delusions
* Paranoia

## Causes

The precise cause of LBD is unknown. It is characterized by the abnormal buildup of proteins into masses known as Lewy bodies, but it is not yet known why Lewy bodies develop in the brain or exactly how they cause dementia. It is rarely inherited.

## Treatment

Treating LBD has significant overlap with Parkinson's disease treatments, but not all LBD patients can tolerate the drugs used to treat Parkinson's. Physical and occupational therapy is also helpful for individuals to cope with the physical symptoms.

Medicines to reduce hallucinations, confusion, drowsiness, movement problems and disturbed sleep may help as well.

## References

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-lewy-body-dementia-causes-symptoms-and-treatments

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-lewy-body-dementia-causes-symptoms-and-treatments

https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-dementia/types-of-dementia/dementia-with-lewy-bodies

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/dementia/dementia-with-lewy-bodies

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17815-lewy-body-dementia

https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/types-dementia/dementia-with-lewy-bodies

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia-with-lewy-bodies/

https://www.uofmhealth.org/conditions-treatments/brain-neurological-conditions/lewy-body-dementia