Today, roughly 47.5 million people throughout the world suffer from dementia, with almost 8 million new cases every year. Dementia affects mostly older adults, although it\u2019s not considered a normal part of the aging process. Those with dementia experience a decline in cognitive ability, changes in their behavior and mood, and difficulty performing everyday tasks.<\/p>\n
Lewy body dementia (LBD) is one of the most common forms of dementia, just after Alzheimer\u2019s disease. It affects nearly 1.4 million people and their families in the United States alone, and like other dementias, there is currently no cure.<\/p>\n
Lewy bodies are clumps of protein that can form and build up in the brain, causing problems with the way your brain works. A neurologist named Frederick H. Lewy discovered them when he was working alongside Dr. Alois Alzheimer in the early 1900s.<\/p>\n
Lewy bodies are found in other brain disorders, including Alzheimer\u2019s disease and Parkinson\u2019s disease dementia. The two most common types of LBD include dementia with Lewy bodies and Parkinson\u2019s disease dementia. While the symptoms of these two diseases differ, they reflect the same underlying changes in the brain.\u00a0 Both diseases tend to start when sufferers experience difficulty with movement, and Parkinson\u2019s usually leads to problems with thinking and memory.<\/p>\n
The cause of dementia with Lewy bodies is still unknown. As with other types of dementia, there is no one test that can lead to a conclusive diagnosis. There seems to be no family history of the disorder, and no genes are linked to Lewy body dementia. A diagnosis of LBD is a clinical diagnosis, which means it\u2019s based on the best professional judgment of the doctor.<\/p>\n
Some of the common symptoms of dementia with Lewy bodies include:<\/p>\n
Like Alzheimer\u2019s disease, early diagnosis is key to getting proper treatment. Currently, there are no drugs that can stop or reverse Lewy body dementia, but doctors will work to treat each symptom of LBD separately through a variety of medications.<\/p>\n
For more information about memory care through Auguste\u2019s Cottage at American Senior Communities, please visit www.ASCSeniorCare.com\/ac<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Facing Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia can feel overwhelming, which is why we are committed to evidence-based care and ongoing education and rely on these trusted organizations that provide families and caregivers with accurate information, research, educational resources, and support throughout the dementia journey.<\/p>\n Alzheimer\u2019s Association of Indiana<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n Alzheimer\u2019s.gov<\/a> (reports\/research)<\/span><\/p>\n AARP Dementia Resource Guide<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n