Differentiating Lewy Body Dementia from Other Dementia Subtypes

By Paul Teitelman

Lewy Body Dementia is a serious condition, but it is totally curable! Watching your loved ones start struggling with daily chores, forgetting things, and hallucinating all of a sudden is painful. However, the positive message is that by learning about the disease and being a good caretaker of your loved one, the dynamics may change dramatically!

Lewy body dementia has proven to be a form of dementia that is difficult to understand. It is associated with other forms of dementia like Alzheimer and Parkinson, but it requires a special care plan. Let’s understand the key differences between Lewy body dementia and the other types. 

What Is Lewy Body Dementia?

Lewy body dementia (LBD) is a progressive degenerative disorder that affects a person's thinking, moving, behavior, and mood. It usually results from the irregular buildup of proteins in the brain, called Lewy bodies.

Patients having LBD have similar conditions as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. They usually suffer memory impairment, confusion, visual hallucination, altered alertness, sleep disturbances and movement difficulties. These symptoms are variable, or they can be observed according to the Lewy body dementia stages.

Differences Between Lewy Body Dementia and Other Dementias

Lewy body dementia is not a part of Alzheimer's and Parkinson’s diseases though they have some symptoms in common. Learning the differences is highly crucial to make precise diagnoses and interventions.

1. Variable Attention and Alertness

Patients of lewy body dementia (LBD) can appear completely awake and alert one moment, becoming confused or matted the next. This variability is not so obvious in Alzheimer's.

2. Visual Hallucinations

Many people with LBD see things that aren’t real, especially in the early stage. These are called visual hallucinations. They are often vivid and recurring than in Alzheimer’s, where they usually come much later, or even not.

3. Movement and Motor Symptoms

Stiff muscles, slow movement, and tremors are effects of LBD. These are symptoms that are very close to Parkinson’s. During early Alzheimer's stages, the ability to move is not a big issue.

4. REM Sleep Disturbance

Individuals with LBD can walk, speak, even dream aloud in sleep. This is known as the REM sleep behavior disorder. Compared to Alzheimer or any other kind of dementia, it is much more frequent in LBD.

5. Sensitivity to Certain Medications

Many individuals with Lewy body dementia react poorly to common antipsychotic medications, which can worsen symptoms or cause severe side effects. This isn’t usually the case in other types of dementia.

6. Memory Loss Timing

Memory issues tend to be more severe and appear earlier in Alzheimer’s disease. In LBD, memory may be relatively preserved in early stages, with more noticeable problems in attention and thinking.

Lewy Body Dementia and Other Dementias at a Glance

Why It’s Important to Know the Type of Dementia

Different types of dementia, including Lewy body dementia, Alzheimer and Parkinson's disease dementia, have varying effects on the brain. Their progress varies in terms of speed, symptoms, and reactions to treatment methods and drugs.

As an example, individuals affected by Lewy body dementia may experience significant side effects to the use of some of the antipsychotic medications that may be safe in an individual with Alzheimer multi system atrophy. These reactions may be harmful when there is no proper diagnosis made.

Understanding the type of dementia also helps:

• Families prepare for what's ahead

• Doctors recommend safer treatments

• Caregivers give more personalized support

• And most importantly, it leads to a better quality of life for the person living with dementia.

When to Consider a Memory Care Facility

Truth to be told, looking after a beloved one with dementia is super difficult. When the condition winds up, there can reach a stage that home care is unsafe and uncontrollable.

That’s when a memory care facility becomes a crucial step that can be taken.

These are special communities that assist individuals with dementia, including Lewy body dementia in a safe environment. They have personnel trained to offer round-the-clock support with daily activities, drugs handling, and behavioral adjustments besides helping residents to be as self-reliant as possible.

Here are some signs it may be time to consider memory care:

• Frequent wandering or getting lost

• Difficulty managing medications or hygiene

• Increased falls or physical safety concerns

• Aggression, paranoia, or hallucinations that are hard to manage at home

• Caregiver burnout, stress, or declining health

Conclusion

Every journey with dementia is different. Recognizing Lewy body dementia early means your loved one can get the best care at the right time. Whether you’re trying to manage the symptoms at home or it’s time for a memory care facility, it’s important to keep them safe, supported, and loved through every stage.

 MBT ^pg