Many individuals who have a progressive type of dementia are diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia or LBD. Although its name isn't as widely known as other forms of dementia, over 1.4 million people in America have this condition. Read the information below to learn important information about this type of dementia.
Signs and Symptoms
Individuals often exhibit alcohol related dementia that can affect both their mental and physical well-being. Common signs that should be noted include memory loss, diminished mental alertness, short attention span, hallucinating, and the inability to solve problems. Individuals may also have mood swings and behavioral issues.
Physical signs of LBD often include stiffening of the muscles, body tremors, swallowing difficulties, and weakened vocal chords. Standing and walking may also be difficult for individuals who have LBD. When these symptoms occur, individuals may have trouble keeping their balance, which can cause them to fall easily.
Diagnosis and Testing
Since there are no specific tests that can be performed to positively diagnose LBD, a physician or neurologist will examine the individual and administer tests that can help to determine the presence of LBD. These may include a complete medical history, lab tests, and brain imaging scans to identify abnormalities in the brain.
Some of these tests are administered to eliminate certain medical conditions that also have an impact on an individual's memory and physical functions. A physician may also order neuropsychological testing to evaluate an individual's memory function and cognitive abilities. These types of tests can help physicians determine which areas of the brain are afflicted.
Treatment and Medications
There is no cure for this condition, but the symptoms of Lewy Body Dementia are often treated with various prescription medications. Individuals who are frequently delusional, agitated, and suffer from hallucinations are often prescribed antipsychotic medications. Those who have issues with their memory or thought processes can experience a decrease in their symptoms while taking a cholinesterase inhibitor.
Individuals whose movements and muscles are affected by LBD are often prescribed medications that are successful in treating symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Many of the medications used for treating LBD symptoms can cause various side effects. Any serious side effects of LBD medications should be reported to the individual's physician as soon as possible.
Individuals who want to learn additional facts about this type of progressive dementia can visit the resource center website for Lewy Body Dementia help. Individuals who are diagnosed and receive treatment in the early stages of this condition can often have a better quality of life.
Signs and Symptoms
Individuals often exhibit alcohol related dementia that can affect both their mental and physical well-being. Common signs that should be noted include memory loss, diminished mental alertness, short attention span, hallucinating, and the inability to solve problems. Individuals may also have mood swings and behavioral issues.
Physical signs of LBD often include stiffening of the muscles, body tremors, swallowing difficulties, and weakened vocal chords. Standing and walking may also be difficult for individuals who have LBD. When these symptoms occur, individuals may have trouble keeping their balance, which can cause them to fall easily.
Diagnosis and Testing
Since there are no specific tests that can be performed to positively diagnose LBD, a physician or neurologist will examine the individual and administer tests that can help to determine the presence of LBD. These may include a complete medical history, lab tests, and brain imaging scans to identify abnormalities in the brain.
Some of these tests are administered to eliminate certain medical conditions that also have an impact on an individual's memory and physical functions. A physician may also order neuropsychological testing to evaluate an individual's memory function and cognitive abilities. These types of tests can help physicians determine which areas of the brain are afflicted.
Treatment and Medications
There is no cure for this condition, but the symptoms of Lewy Body Dementia are often treated with various prescription medications. Individuals who are frequently delusional, agitated, and suffer from hallucinations are often prescribed antipsychotic medications. Those who have issues with their memory or thought processes can experience a decrease in their symptoms while taking a cholinesterase inhibitor.
Individuals whose movements and muscles are affected by LBD are often prescribed medications that are successful in treating symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Many of the medications used for treating LBD symptoms can cause various side effects. Any serious side effects of LBD medications should be reported to the individual's physician as soon as possible.
Individuals who want to learn additional facts about this type of progressive dementia can visit the resource center website for Lewy Body Dementia help. Individuals who are diagnosed and receive treatment in the early stages of this condition can often have a better quality of life.