What is Lewy Body Dementia

Dementia is the loss of two or more brain functions, such as:

• Memory.
• Decision making.
• Behavior.
• Speaking.
• Thinking.
• Problem solving.

Lewy body dementia is a type of dementia that gets worse with time. Lewy body dementia is also called dementia with Lewy bodies.

What are the causes?

This condition is caused by the buildup of proteins called Lewy bodies in brain cells. It is not known what causes the Lewy bodies to build up.

What are the signs or symptoms?

Early symptoms of this condition include:

• Seeing things that are not there (hallucinating).
• Trouble sleeping.
• Loss of smell.

Later symptoms include:

• Problems with problem solving, abstract thinking, and reasoning.
• Memory problems.
• Poor judgment.
• Confusion.
• Reduced attention span.
• False ideas about another person or situation (delusions).
• Disorganized speech.
• Sleep problems, such as acting out dreams.
• Shifts in alertness and attention, such as:
  • Periods of drowsiness or lack of energy (lethargy).
  • Long periods of time spent staring into space.
• Changes in movement. For example:
  • Trouble moving.
  • Slow movement.
  • Poor posture.
  • Rigid muscles.
  • Shuffling movements (gait).
  • Tremors.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition is diagnosed with an assessment by your health care provider. During this assessment, your health care provider will talk to you and your family, friends, or caregivers about your symptoms.

A thorough medical history will be taken, and you will have a physical exam and tests. Tests may include:

• Lab tests, such as blood or urine tests.
• Imaging tests, such as a CT scan, PET scan, or MRI.
• A lumbar puncture. This test involves removing and testing a small amount of the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord.
• An electroencephalogram (EEG). In this test, small metal discs are used to measure electrical activity in the brain.
• Memory tests, cognitive tests, and neuropsychological tests. These tests evaluate brain function.

How is this treated?

There is no cure for this condition. Medicines may be prescribed to help slow down how fast the dementia gets worse and to help with symptoms.

Follow these instructions at home:

Medicine

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• Avoid taking medicines that can affect thinking, such as pain or sleeping medicines.

Lifestyle

• Make healthy lifestyle choices:
  • Be physically active as told by your health care provider.
  • Do not use any tobacco products, such as cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and e-cigarettes. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
  • Eat a healthy diet.
  • Practice stress-management techniques when you get stressed.
  • Stay social.
• Drink enough fluid to keep your urine clear or pale yellow.
• Make sure you sleep well. These tips can help you get a good night’s rest:
  • Avoid napping during the day.
  • Keep your sleeping area dark and cool.
  • Avoid exercising during the few hours before you go to bed.
  • Avoid caffeine products in the evening.

General instructions

• Work with your health care provider to determine what you need help with and what your safety needs are.
• If you were given a bracelet that tracks your location, make sure to wear it.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

• You have any new symptoms.
• You have problems with choking or swallowing.
• You have any symptoms of a new or different illness.

Get help right away if:

• You develop a fever.
• You have new or worsening confusion.
• You have new or worsening trouble with sleeping.
• You have a hard time staying awake.
• You or your family members become concerned for your safety.