When dementia is discussed, many people’s minds will instantly go to Alzheimer’s disease. While Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most common types of dementia, there are other types that people should know about, as well. One of the types of dementia that you may want to know more about is Lewy Body Dementia or LBD. While this type of dementia isn’t as common, it should still be discussed.

Defining Lewy Body Dementia

If your elderly loved one has Lewy Body Dementia, it is helpful if you and their home care providers know more about it. LBD encompasses 2 diagnoses – dementia with Lewy bodies and Parkinson’s dementia. This is a brain disorder that is very progressive. It causes protein deposits in one’s brain. This is abnormal. Lewy Body Dementia will affect every area of your loved one’s life. It causes brain impairments in sleep, memory, behaviors, movement, and though. In addition, LBD can cause issues with blood pressure, bladder and bowel control, and much more. The Lewy Body Dementia Association states that around 1.4 million adults in the United States have this type of dementia.

LBD Symptoms

If you think that your elderly loved one has Lewy Body Dementia, there are some symptoms that you might want to look out for including the following:

• Problems with forgetfulness and memory loss
• Experiencing shaking and/or tremors
• Having delusions and/or hallucinations
• Issues with abstract thoughts
• Feeling sluggish
• A decrease in attention span
• Stiff muscles
• Troubles moving and walking
• Issues sleeping

If you or your loved one’s home care providers notice these symptoms, make sure you talk to your loved one’s doctor about it right away.

Treatment Options for Lewy Body Dementia

If your elderly loved one does have LBD, it is important that they get the proper treatments. While there is not a cure for Lewy Body Dementia, there are doctors who specialize in treating symptoms that your loved one might be experiencing.

Your loved one’s doctor might:

-Make a plan that includes speech therapy, occupational therapy, or physical therapy
-Going to a sleep disorder specialist to manage any sleep issues that may be going on
-Taking certain medications to prevent or to manage any hallucinations that your loved one might be having
-Possible clinical trials to manage the disorder

While it can be scary, these are some of the possible treatment options for Lewy Body Dementia.
If your loved one does have LBD, at least now you have more information about this type of dementia. The more you learn about it, the more you can help your elderly loved one.

The staff at Home Care Matters is available to talk with you and your family about all of your needs. Home Care Matters is a home care agency providing quality and affordable Home Care Services in Buford, GA, and surrounding areas. Call (770) 965.4004 for more information.

Sources
Lbda.org
Mayoclinic.org
Mayoclinic.org

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Valerie Darling

Founder, Owner at Home Care Matters

Valerie was born in Miami, FL and after a few family moves, grew up locally in the Marietta, GA area.Valerie is the oldest of 4 (3 younger brothers).She is married and has one child.Valerie is the Founder, Owner and CEO of Home Care Matters.Valerie’s mom, Dee, is the inspiration and primary driver as the how and why the business was born.Valerie says, “My mom is never far from our thoughts.Mom was an integral part of developing and starting HCM before she passed away.Our goal is to stay true to her memory and continue to honor her with the love, values, and ethics she taught us.”

Valerie has the unique experience with home care as she has experienced it from both ends of the spectrum, as a caregiver and as needing care herself as a cancer survivor. Valerie says, “Taking care of someone you love is a physically, mentally and demanding labor of love.Taking care of my mom was the hardest thing I have ever done. It has given me an insight and perspective not many people understand unless you are doing it or have done it.I loved taking care of my mom.I love helping others take care of their love ones too.And now that I’ve been sick, it’s given me a whole new level of empathy and understanding for those who are sick and need help.”

Valerie’s schedule varies daily, but she loves visiting with our clients, families, caregivers, our network partners and being in the office.Says Valerie, “Every day is different, but I wake up excited about what we do, inspired by our team, clients and caregivers.I strive to be a resource to the community.I love my team and I love what we do every day. I like to think my mom would be proud.”

You can reach Valerie by email (Valerie@homecarematters.com) or in our office (770.965.4004).

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