Lewy body dementia is a health condition that affects the ability to think and reason properly. Although there are many different causes of dementia, it has been found that protein deposits called Lewy bodies develop within the brain and lead to the symptoms. Understanding why this form of dementia develops and what you can do to prevent it may help you feel more confident about helping your senior loved one as he or she ages.
Risk Factors
Lewy body dementia tends to occur in people who are over the age of 50, so it’s possible that aging plays a large role. Men also tend to develop this condition at slightly higher rates than women. There’s a possible genetic link, since it’s sometimes found that families have several people who develop the condition. As with any brain-related disorder, unhealthy lifestyle habits may also play a role in the development of Lewy bodies.
Common Symptoms
There are two main types of this form of dementia. In some cases, a person only has cognitive symptoms caused by plaques in the brain. Other people may have Parkinson’s symptoms, such as slowed muscle movements or freezing, that affect the rest of the body. In the early stages of this condition, memory loss, confusion, and behavioral changes are common as the plaques begin to affect the functioning of the brain. Visual hallucinations are among the first symptoms people notice, and they may include seeing things such as animals or insects that aren’t actually there. Sleep problems, depression, and difficulty regulating bodily functions are other issues commonly encountered by people with Lewy bodies in the brain.
A highly trained caregiver with experience in caring for seniors with dementia can be a fantastic resource for family members. Families looking for top-rated senior care providers can reach out to Home Care Assistance. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones.
Types of Treatment
There’s no cure that eliminates Lewy bodies from the brain once they begin to form. However, there are medications that can alleviate some of the worst symptoms. Seniors with this condition also benefit from attending therapy sessions that focus on helping with the physical, mental, and emotional changes that occur with Lewy body dementia. As the condition progresses, it’s also important to recognize that your loved one will need more help at home to stay safe.
For dementia care Oakville families can count on, reach out to Home Care Assistance. Our compassionate caregivers use revolutionary memory care programs to help seniors stave off the progression of dementia, and they can also assist with a wide variety of important everyday tasks, including bathing, grooming, exercise, and cooking.
How to Help
The early stages of Lewy body dementia can often be managed at home with minimal assistance from family members and professional caregivers. Your loved one may need reminders to take medication along with assistance with tasks that place him or her at risk for injury, such as cooking or cleaning the house. Over time, your loved one may need someone to stay with him or her overnight to provide reassurance during hallucinations or help him or her get back to sleep if he or she wakes up in the middle of the night. Try to stay a step ahead with your loved one’s care planning so you’re never surprised by the changes that come with the progression of this disease.
If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of senior care Oakville, ON, families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s. If you need professional dementia care for your loved one, reach out to one of our Care Managers today at (905) 337-1200.