It is caused by abnormal proteins growth in the outer layers of the brain (cerebral cortex) which may interfere with thought and/or nerve signals (acetylcholine transmitter problems) and/or bodily functions.
Lewy body dementia consists of two different conditions:
Parkinson’s disease dementia
Physical Parkinson-type symptoms changes tend to occur first then (can be some time later) cognitive changes (see below).
Theses changes occurs in the substantia nigra (mid part of the brain) and cerebral cortex (outer layer of the brain).
Dementia with Lewy bodies
See below cognitive symptoms:
Cause
Clumps of abnormal protein forming inside brain cells called Lewy bodies (also found in persons who have Parkinson’s disease)
Maybe a build up of beta-amyloid protein in the brain
Medication:
Regular Laxatives use in particular osmotic laxatives
Source: davisphinneyfoundation.org
Source: Alzforum.org
Symptoms
Initial stage:
Confusion or sleepiness – this can change over minutes or hours?
Disturbed sleep, often with violent movements and shouting out?
Hallucinations (seeing, hearing or smelling things that are not there)?
Problems with understanding, thinking, memory and judgement – this is similar to Alzheimer’s disease (although memory may be less affected in people with dementia with Lewy bodies)?
Slow movement, stiff limbs and tremors (uncontrollable shaking)?
www.nhs.uk
Fluctuations in thinking, information processing, perception, speaking, finding words, and recognizing things?
Finding it hard to do everyday things i.e to dress up, go down the stairs, look for things that are there in plain sight, feeding oneself?
‘Wandering around lost’ even if they are familiar with their environment?
Difficulty in recognising objects and faces?
Driving difficulties i.e turn steering wheels , judge distances , changing lanes , remembering how to drive, parking?
Difficulty in reading, remembering, or even how to read and understand reading?
Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice
Detailed Information
Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Lewy body Dementia in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).
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