Symptoms specific to dementia with Lewy bodies
Dementia with Lewy bodies is a common form of dementia in the UK, affecting more than 100,000 people. The symptoms of dementia with Lewy bodies can be quite similar to Alzheimer's disease. People with the condition can also experience;
- Visual Hallucinations
- Periods of Being Alert or Drowsy
- Fluctuating Levels of Confusion
- Becoming Slower in Their Physical Movements
People with dementia with Lewy bodies not only experience problems with memory and judgement, like those with Alzheimer's. They are also likely to have difficulties with concentration and visual perception. They can find it difficult to recognise objects and make judgements about where they are in space.
Other symptoms may include;
- Slowed Movement
- Stiff Limbs, And Tremors
- Sleep Disturbances Including Sleepiness During The Day
- Recurrent Visual Hallucinations
- Fainting
- Unsteadiness, And Falls
People with the condition tend to swing from state to state. They can be alert one minute and drowsy the next. These changes are very unpredictable and can happen from hour to hour or day to day.
Dementia with Lewy bodies is caused by deposits of an abnormal protein called Lewy bodies inside the brain cells. These deposits are also found in people with Parkinson's disease.
It is important that if your loved one is experiencing any of the symptoms that are mentioned above that you get them to their GP right away. They will be able to assess your loved one and then send them to a specialist. A specialist may be able to help them manage the symptoms a bit better.
London Dementia Care offer professional dementia care at home for clients throughout London. Please complete our enquiry form for more information.