Thanks to breakthroughs in medicine and nutrition in recent years, we are living longer than ever before. But this increase in life expectancy also brings an increase in the number of diseases, injuries and impairments that affect older adults. With this in mind, we at the local Visiting Angels office in Salem have created this series of articles to keep our older population and their families informed and to offer some practical advice for meeting the challenges faced by seniors and those who care for them.

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Over one million Americans are living with Lewy body dementia, making it one of the most prevalent forms of dementia. However, many people are not even aware that Lewy body dementia (LBD) exists, or they confuse it with Alzheimer’s disease. It is often misdiagnosed by doctors or goes undiagnosed altogether when it’s in its earliest stages.

LBD affects the brain and can cause problems with cognitive ability and sometimes mobility. It is caused by the build up of Lewy bodies, which are abnormal protein deposits, in the areas of the brain that regulate thought processing, memory and movement. The accumulation of Lewy body deposits damages brain cells and impairs the normal functions of the regions of the brain where the deposits have accumulated.

Lewy bodies are named for Frederick H. Lewy, the doctor who discovered them in the early Twentieth century.

While researchers are still working to discover what causes Lewy bodies to accumulate in the brain, it is believed that a combination of genetic mutation, environmental factors and the aging process may result in the buildup of Lewy bodies in some. Although LBD and Alzheimer’s disease are not the same thing, Lewy bodies are also found in people with Alzheimer’s disease. Parkinson’s disease dementia is also caused by the accumulation of Lewy bodies.

There are few known risk factors for LBD, but it is most commonly found in people over 60. Men are more likely to be diagnosed with LBD than are women, and people with a family history of Lewy body dementia may be at a higher risk of developing the disease.

There are many symptoms associated with LBD, including loss of memory, difficulty with cognitive functions and reasoning skills, confusion, attention span problems, and problems with spatial awareness. Other symptoms include depression or other mood disorders, difficulty sleeping, visual hallucinations, and mobility impairments, such as stiffness and slow movements. People with LBD may also have trouble regulating involuntary functions, such as their digestion or pulse.

Not every person with LBD will experience all of these symptoms, and the severity of symptoms varies from person to person. However, many people experience multiple symptoms at once, and symptoms will grow worse over time.

Since symptoms of Lewy body dementia are so similar to those of other diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease, thorough testing is needed to make an accurate diagnosis. Doctors may perform brain scans, bloodwork and other diagnostic tests, as well as a physical examination. People who are noticing symptoms of LBD in themselves or a relative should contact their doctor.

Unfortunately, Lewy body dementia can not be cured, but treatments are available to help individuals manage their symptoms. These can include physical and occupational therapies to correct difficulties with motor control and prevent problems such as falls. Although the side effects of some drugs may worsen LBD symptoms, medications are sometimes used to regulate motor control, ease cognitive impairments, and lessen the severity of hallucinations. Treatments are more effective for people whose Lewy body dementia has been diagnosed early.

Many people with the disease and their loved ones also benefit from one-on-one or family counseling and participation in support groups. Seeking the help of a professional caregiver trained in dementia care can also help to eliminate some of the stress placed on family members overwhelmed by caring for a loved one with the disease.

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Information provided by Visiting Angels, America’s choice in home care. Visiting Angels’ non-medical homecare services allow people to continue enjoying the independence of their daily routines and familiar surroundings. To set up an appointment for a free in-home consultation, call 330-332-1203.