One of the scariest issues with Lewy Body Dementia (sometimes called Lewy Body Disease) is that it is difficult to diagnose, often resembling (for months or years) Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia. But it’s imperative to get a correct diagnosis to receive the best treatment for this disease. According to the Lewy Body Dementia Association, “Some people with LBD are extremely sensitive or may react negatively to certain medications used to treat Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s in addition to certain over-the-counter medications.”
Additionally, Lewy Body Dementia is not something that can be “tested” for sure. A completely accurate diagnosis can only be performed after the patient dies, when, during the autopsy, the tell-tale “Lewy Bodies” can be found on the brain.
So what is this disease? It’s a form of dementia that can cause hallucinations and “spontaneous features of parkinsonism.” It can be all-encompassing in the way many people experience Alzheimer’s, or sometimes there can be times of clarity.
A great resource for how to give care to those with Lewy Body Dementia can be found on Pines Education Institute of Southwest Florida YouTube Page. In the videos, dementia expert Teepa Snow explains what the disease is, and how to solve movement problems. Check out this informative video:
Another great resource is our TotalHomeCareSupplies.com Pinterest board, “Learn About Lewy Body Disease.”
