Lewy Body Dementia – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Lewy body dementia ranks as the second most common dementia type, following Alzheimer’s disease. This condition develops when protein clumps called Lewy bodies form inside brain nerve cells.
These deposits impact areas controlling thinking, memory, and movement functions.
People with this condition experience a gradual decline in mental abilities. Many patients have visual hallucinations—seeing things that aren’t actually present.
Changes in attention and alertness are also common symptoms.
This dementia type often causes movement problems similar to Parkinson’s disease, including:
- Muscle stiffness
- Slowed movements
- Walking difficulties
- Tremors
The condition affects daily functioning as it progresses. Symptoms may fluctuate, with good and bad days occurring unpredictably.
Early diagnosis helps families prepare for needed care and support.
Signs and Changes
Lewy body dementia brings several noticeable changes to a person’s daily life. These signs often develop gradually and can vary from day to day.
People with this condition frequently experience visual hallucinations. They might see animals, people, or shapes that aren’t actually present. Some may also have hallucinations involving other senses like hearing, smell, or touch.
Movement problems are common. These include slow movements, muscle stiffness, trembling hands, and a shuffling walk. These movement difficulties often lead to falls and injuries.
The body’s automatic functions can become disrupted. This disruption affects blood pressure, heart rate, sweating, and digestion. People may feel dizzy when standing up, lose bladder control, or develop constipation.
Thinking and Memory Problems
- Confusion and disorientation
- Trouble with attention and focus
- Difficulty with visual-spatial skills
- Memory loss
Sleep disturbances often occur. Many people act out their dreams during sleep, which can involve punching, kicking, yelling, or screaming. This happens during REM sleep, the phase when dreaming occurs.
Attention levels may fluctuate throughout the day. Someone might stare blankly for long periods, take extended daytime naps, speak in a disorganized way, or seem very drowsy.
Emotional changes happen too. Depression is common, with feelings of sadness and hopelessness. Many people also develop apathy, showing little interest in activities they once enjoyed.
Causes
Lewy body dementia occurs when protein deposits called Lewy bodies form in brain cells. These proteins are the same ones linked to Parkinson’s disease.
People with this condition typically have both Lewy bodies and the plaques and tangles found in Alzheimer’s disease.
The exact reason why these proteins build up remains unclear. However, this accumulation disrupts normal brain function and affects thinking, behavior, and movement.
Risk Factors
Several factors may raise the chance of getting Lewy body dementia:
- Age: People over 60 face higher risk
- Gender: Men develop this condition more often than women
- Family History: Having relatives with Lewy body dementia or Parkinson’s disease increases risk
These factors don’t mean someone will definitely develop the disease, but they do suggest who might need closer monitoring.
Complications
Lewy body dementia (LBD) gets worse over time. As the disease progresses, several serious issues may develop:
- Worsening cognitive decline leading to severe dementia.
- Behavioral changes including aggressive actions.
- Mental health problems such as depression.
- Higher fall risk and potential injuries.
- Increasing movement problems like tremors and stiffness.
Most people with LBD live about 7-8 years after symptoms first appear. The progression rate varies among individuals.
