Dealing with a chronic illness can often be overwhelming, especially when it’s something you’ve never heard of, like Lewy Body Disease (LBD). LBD affects over 1.3 million Americans, yet the discussion about it is far from common. For those who don’t know, LBD is a form of dementia that’s caused by abnormal masses of protein, called Lewy bodies, that accumulate in nerve cells in the brain. If you or someone you know is living with LBD, you’ll want to read this guide. We’ll cover all the information you need to know to make living with LBD manageable and help minimize the effects on your life.
Lewy body disease is an umbrella term used to refer to two progressive brain disorders: Lewy body dementia and Parkinson’s disease dementia. It is caused by abnormal aggregation of an abnormal protein called Lewy bodies in the brain.
Characteristic symptoms of Lewy body disease include:
- Cognitive issues, including confusion, memory problems and difficulty focusing
- A decline in motor skills
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Fluctuating alertness
- Visual hallucinations
- Sleep disorders
Diagnosis is made on the basis of clinical evaluation, medical history and the results of a neurological exam. Treatment is focused on relieving symptoms and slowing the progression of the disease. Medications can also help to manage behavioral symptoms.
Living with Lewy Body Disease can be overwhelming and difficult, but it doesn’t have to feel like a hopeless battle. With the right information and support, the future doesn’t have to be bleak. We hope that the information provided in this article has given you a greater understanding of Lewy Body Disease and that it has provided you with some guidance on how to positively manage and cope with its daily effects.