Lewy Body Dementia Specialists London

It’s not clear exactly what causes Lewy body protein deposits to clump together, nor is it clear how the Lewy bodies affect the brain. However, it is thought that they somehow impact brain cell signals depending on where they are deposited. For example, if they’re deposited in areas of the brain responsible for movement, thinking, or seeing, this interference could cause the symptoms associated with DLB.

Lewy body dementia generally occurs in people over the age of 65 and who have no family history of the condition, but rare cases have been reported where it appears to run in the family. DLB has a similar outlook to Alzheimer’s disease, with most people surviving their diagnosis for six to 12 years. Life expectancy post-diagnosis is highly personal to each patient, and some people with DLB live far beyond 12 years post-diagnosis.

Currently, there is no cure for Lewy body dementia, and there is no treatment that can halt or slow the progression of the condition. However, there are a range of therapies and treatments that can help patients with DLB to better manage their symptoms.

Lewy body dementia causes a progressive decline in mental and cognitive abilities. The symptoms vary from person to person and largely depend on where in the brain clumps of protein are settling. Some people may get clumps in the area of the brain that affects vision, whilst others will find their movement and muscle reflexes are impacted.

As the condition progresses, more symptoms may develop and begin to worsen. This usually means more support is needed to help patients live day-to-day.

The common symptoms of dementia with Lewy body disease include:

Hallucinations

You may see things that are not really there, e.g. people or animals. These hallucinations often happen repeatedly and are realistic and well-formed. Hallucinations are among the first symptoms of DLB that you might experience.

Difficulty with sense of smell

In addition to visual hallucinations, you might experience hallucinations relating to your sense of smell. You may also find it hard to recognise familiar smells and match smells to the source. Some people even experience a complete loss of their sense of smell.

Issues with stability

You may experience periods of unsteadiness and frequent falls. Some people experience fainting spells and frequent feelings of unsteadiness. It’s also common for people with DLB to have issues with their blood pressure dropping, which can result in dizziness and falling over.

Changes in alertness

You may experience changes in alertness and attention, and experience periods of confusion that may be unpredictable and change from time-to-time. Some people with DLB stare into space for long periods of time, whilst others become drowsy and sleep excessively.

Movement problems

You may experience symptoms such as slower movements, stiffness in the arms and legs, and shaking or trembling. These can mirror the signs of Parkinson’s disease, with some people finding themselves unable to walk properly. Stiffness and rigidity can also lead to shuffling and falling over.

Sleep disturbances

You may have vivid dreams or experience shouting or moving while sleeping. This can disrupt your sleep and may also cause injury. This is due to a REM sleep behaviour disorder which causes people to act out their dreams. Depression and drowsiness can lead to increased sleeping during the day.

Dementia with Lewy bodies and Alzheimer’s disease are different types of dementia, despite having some overlapping symptoms. Some patients with DLB are misdiagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, resulting in ineffective treatment plans and the possibility of taking prescription medication that isn’t suitable.

Understanding the type of dementia you or someone you care for is experiencing is vital if you are to learn how to deal with the symptoms. Some of the more distinct differences include:

Memory loss is more prominent in early Alzheimer’s than in early Lewy body dementia, although advanced Lewy body dementia may cause memory problems and affect decision-making, planning and perception. Alzheimer’s disease specifically impacts how the brain forms new memories, whereas, in LBD, cognitive function (e.g. problem-solving) is most affected.

Movement symptoms are more likely to be an important cause of disability early in Lewy body dementia than in Alzheimer’s, although Alzheimer’s can cause problems with walking and balance as it progresses through the stages.

Hallucinations, delusions and confusion with familiar people are significantly more frequent in early-stage Lewy body dementia than in Alzheimer’s. Typically, people with DLB will experience hallucinations as one of the first symptoms, whereas people with Alzheimer’s tend to develop hallucinations approximately four years post-diagnosis.

REM sleep disorder is more common in early Lewy body dementia patients than in Alzheimer’s disease patients due to disruptions caused by the autonomic nervous system. This can lead to symptoms that are similar to Parkinson’s disease.

Blood pressure drops on standing, dizziness, falls and urinary incontinence, are much more common in early Lewy body dementia than in Alzheimer’s. Typically, physical symptoms occur in later stages of Alzheimer’s disease, whilst they’re among the first signs to present in Lewy body dementia.

Diagnosing Lewy body dementia isn’t as straightforward as carrying out one simple test. A number of assessments and tests may need to be undertaken to determine what is causing your symptoms, how advanced your condition is, and what the most appropriate form of treatment might be.

Dementech Neurosciences offers a wide range of cutting-edge diagnostic services specifically designed for people with DLB, such as the Dementech Biomarker Tools and genetic counselling appointments. By using the latest advances in imaging and genetics, we are able to answer all your questions regarding the diagnosis, prognosis, monitoring progression and response to treatment. We can also rule out other conditions or diseases that may be responsible for your symptoms.

We are also able to carry out most tests and scans within 48 hours of them being requested. This means you can receive a diagnosis quicker and early intervention can begin to help you manage your symptoms as best as possible.