Dementia with Lewy bodies
Overview
Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), also known as Lewy body dementia, is one of the most common types of dementia.
Symptoms
People with dementia with Lewy bodies may have: hallucinations and hearing voices– seeing, hearing or smelling things that are not thereproblems with understanding, thinking, memory and judgement – this is similar toAlzheimer's disease, although memory may be less affected in people with dementia with Lewy bodiesconfusionor sleepiness – this can change over minutes or hoursslow movement, stiff limbs andtremors(uncontrollable shaking)disturbed sleep, often with violent movements and shouting outfaintingspells, unsteadiness andfallsdepressionandanxiety These problems can make daily activities increasingly difficult and someone with the condition may eventually be unable to look after themselves. Read more about the symptoms of dementia with Lewy bodies
Causes
Dementia with Lewy bodies is caused by clumps of protein forming inside brain cells. These abnormal deposits are called Lewy bodies. These deposits are also found in people withParkinson's disease, and they build up in areas of the brain responsible for functions such as thinking, visual perception and muscle movement. It's not clear why the deposits develop and how exactly they damage the brain. It's thought that part of the problem is the proteins affecting the brain's normal functions by interfering with signals sent between brain cells. Dementia with Lewy bodies usually occurs in people with no family history of the condition, although there have been very rare cases that seem to run in families.
Treatment
There's currently no cure for dementia with Lewy bodies or any treatment that will slow it down. But there are treatments that can help control some of the symptoms, possibly for several years. Treatments include: medicines to reduce hallucinations, confusion, drowsiness, movement problems and disturbed sleeptherapies such asphysiotherapy,occupational therapyand speech and language therapy for problems with movement, everyday tasks and communicationpsychological therapies, such as cognitive stimulation (activities and exercises designed to improve memory, problem solving skills and language ability)activities for dementia, such as memory cafes (drop-in sessions for people with memory problems and their carers to get support and advice) Read more about how dementia with Lewy bodies is treated