When someone in our family starts to lose their memory as they get older, we all think of it as Alzheimer's . It's true, Alzheimer's is one of the most common dementias. But did you know, there's another condition called Lewy Body Dementia , or LBD . This also affects people over the age of 50. So today, let's talk about what LBD is.
Simply put, what is Lewy Body Dementia (LBD)?
Imagine that the cells in our brain communicate with each other through chemicals . Lewy bodies are abnormal protein clumps that accumulate in our brains. When they accumulate, they disrupt the normal functioning of the brain. Specifically, they can disrupt many things, including our memory, movement, thinking ability, mood , and behavior.
This LBD condition can occur in two main ways:
1. Dementia with Lewy bodies: This begins with physical problems, such as difficulty walking and moving. After about a year, memory and thinking problems similar to Alzheimer's disease develop. Hallucinations may also occur.
2. Parkinson's disease dementia: In this, movement problems (Parkinson's symptoms) appear first. Memory and thinking problems appear much later in the disease.
The important thing is that there is currently no cure for LBD. However, there are ways to manage the symptoms and provide some temporary relief.
What is the difference between LBD, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's?
Although these three diseases may look similar, there are clear differences between them. Recognizing these differences is important for treatment.
| Comparing disease | The main difference between LBDs |
|---|---|
| Alzheimer's Disease | Unlike Alzheimer's, LBD does not initially lose short-term memory. In LBD, attention and thinking skills fluctuate rapidly (which can vary from day to day, hour to hour). Hallucinations are common in the early stages of LBD, but in Alzheimer's, they occur late in the disease. |
| Parkinson's Disease | In Parkinson's disease, memory problems (dementia) occur only after the disease has reached a very advanced stage, or sometimes not at all. However, in LBD , memory problems begin at the same time as movement difficulties or shortly after . |
| Sleep behavior | A unique feature of LBD is REM sleep behavior disorder . This is when you actually act out your dreams while you're asleep (e.g., if you're fighting in your dreams, you actually move your limbs, or fall out of bed). This can be the first symptom of LBD. |
Causes and risk factors of LBD
These protein clumps called Lewy bodies are made up of a type of protein called alpha-synuclein. When they accumulate in the brain, they interfere with the production of two essential chemicals in our brain.
- Acetylcholine: This affects our memory and learning.
- Dopamine : This controls our movement, mood, and sleep.
Scientists still don't know exactly why these Lewy bodies accumulate in the brain, or why only some people develop LBD.
Is this a hereditary disease? LBD is not generally considered a hereditary disease. However, if someone in your family has LBD, you may be slightly more likely to develop it.
Main risk factors:
- Aging (especially over 50 years of age)
- Having other medical conditions, such as Parkinson's disease
- Having a family history of LBD
- Men are more likely to be infected
What are the symptoms of LBD?
Not all patients experience the same symptoms. Some symptoms may be mild, while others may be severe. Below are some of the common symptoms.
| Characteristic type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Effects on thinking ability | Difficulty making decisions, inability to judge distance, decreased attention, decreased memory, confusion about place or time, difficulty working with numbers. |
| Effects on movement | Dragging feet while walking, stiffness, trembling hands, loss of balance and falls, stooping forward, small handwriting, difficulty swallowing. |
| Effects on sleep | REM sleep behavior disorder, excessive daytime sleepiness, insomnia, and restless legs syndrome. |
| Effects on mood | Depression, anxiety, restlessness, seeing or hearing things that are not there, unusual fears (e.g. thinking that someone is going to harm me). |
| Other features | Dizziness and fainting, changes in blood pressure, constipation, inability to control urine, and decreased sense of smell. |
Uncontrollable crying or laughing
Some people with LBD may suddenly cry or laugh out loud for no apparent reason. This is medically known as `pseudobulbar affect (PBA).` This is not their true feelings, but something that happens out of control because of the disease.
Diagnosis and treatment
There is no single test that can diagnose LBD. Because the symptoms are similar to other diseases, it can be challenging for doctors to diagnose, especially in the early stages. Therefore, the doctor will perform several tests to make sure there are no other conditions .
- Physical and nervous system examination
- Blood tests (to check vitamin or hormone levels)
- Brain scans (CT scan, MRI scan)
- Tests that measure memory and thinking ability
- Sleep tests
If we talk about treatment,
There is currently no cure or treatment for LBD, but there are medications and treatments that can help control symptoms and make life easier.
Warning: Some antipsychotics used to treat Alzheimer's disease can be harmful to people with LBD. They can make symptoms worse. So, be sure to talk to your doctor before using any medication.
In addition to medication, treatments such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and counseling can provide great relief to the patient and their caregivers.
Living with LBD
LBD is a challenge for both the patient and their family, but with the right planning and support, the journey can be made easier.
- Ensure safety: Remove obstacles in walking areas at home. Install grab bars in the bathroom.
- Get support: Talk to family and friends about this. Get professional help if necessary.
- Plan ahead: Make medical and financial decisions in advance, according to the patient's wishes.
- Be happy: Get the patient involved in things they enjoy and enjoy.
The average lifespan of a person with LBD is about 7-8 years from the onset of symptoms. However, this can vary greatly from person to person. Some people live up to 20 years.
Take-Home Message
- Dementia is not always Alzheimer's disease. Lewy body dementia (LBD) is also a common condition.
- In addition to memory problems, changes in movement, sleep, and behavior can be seen in LBD in the early stages.
- REM sleep behavior disorder and hallucinations can be the main symptoms of LBD.
- Although there is no complete cure for this disease, the patient's quality of life can be improved by managing the symptoms.
- If someone close to you is experiencing these symptoms, it is very important to see a qualified doctor immediately and seek advice.
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