Understanding Lewy Body Disease (LBD) is critically important to help people with the degenerative disorder live longer and healthier lives. So, what do you need to know? Read on for an overview of the condition, what causes it, the symptoms, and the treatments and therapies available.
What is Lewy Body Disease?
Lewy body disease (LBD) is a type of dementia that affects memory, thinking and behavior. It develops as a result of abnormal deposits of a protein called alpha-synuclein, which form in the brain’s nerve cells. Symptoms include memory problems, visual hallucinations, rigid muscles and slow movements. LBD is the second most common form of dementia and can cause mild to severe symptoms affecting memory, behavior, and motor skills.
Common Symptoms of Lewy Body Disease
The main symptoms of Lewy Body Disease are:
- Memory loss and confusion
- Trouble understanding visual images
- Depression and anxiety
- Hallucinations and delusions
- Tremors or stiffening of limbs
- Sleep disturbances
- Difficulty walking
- Frequent falls
Eventually, the symptoms of Lewy Body Disease can lead to problems with daily activities such as dressing and bathing, as well as difficulty swallowing and speaking. In some cases, the disease can also cause extreme fatigue and problems with bladder and bowel control.
Lewy body disease is a debilitating, complex disorder. But with the right understanding and resources, individuals with the disease can find ways to cope and manage their condition more effectively. Although there is still much to learn about this disease, understanding and awareness are the first steps in providing support and improving the quality of life for these individuals and their families.