Understanding Lewy-Body Dementia

Lewy-Body Dementia (LBD) differs significantly from Alzheimer's disease, with distinct memory changes and a wide range of symptoms. Nance Tobar, a caregiver for her father with LBD, sheds light on the unique challenges associated with this condition. Nance's father, Joe, experienced a misdiagnosis that led to severe cognitive decline due to the specific pathology of LBD. Hospitalization following a fall resulted in a change in Joe's medications, including the removal of a drug that stabilized his memory. Consequently, the family lost precious years with their father. Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for LBD patients, as their reactions to certain medications can differ from those with other forms of dementia. Some drugs can exacerbate LBD symptoms, such as antipsychotics, which can be fatal for individuals with LBD. Fortunately, Nance received a warning about this potential danger before administering the medication to Joe. LBD is the second most common form of dementia and can present with three main manifestations: movement issues, cognitive impairment, or neuropsychiatric symptoms like hallucinations, which Joe experienced. Regardless of the initial symptom, all presentations of LBD eventually develop similar cognitive, physical, sleep, and behavioral features. Common LBD symptoms include impaired thinking (loss of executive function and memory), fluctuations in attention, movement problems, visual hallucinations, sleep disorders, mood changes, and alterations in body functions like blood pressure and bladder control. To highlight the lack of understanding between Lewy-Body Dementia and Alzheimer's, Nance shared her personal story. Her experience during her father's hospitalization was challenging due to the absence of a proper diagnosis. Nance, who participates in a caregiver support group, expressed common feelings of guilt. However, she recognizes that she is doing her best to care for her father and aims to help other families by sharing her journey. Even if one is not directly involved in caring for someone with Lewy-Body Dementia, Nance's insights offer valuable knowledge about senior health issues and foster compassion. Understanding the challenges faced by individuals with LBD enables better support and assistance for those in need. Until next week, hang in there! ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Related Episodes: Living with FTD Feat. Janice Swink (part 1) FTD Awareness & Caregiving Tips ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Sign Up for more Advice & Wisdom - email newsletter. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Please help us keep our show going by supporting our sponsors. Thank you. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Feeling overwhelmed? HelpTexts can be your pocket therapist. Going through a tough time? HelpTexts offers confidential support delivered straight to your phone via text message. Whether you're dealing with grief, caregiving stress, or just need a mental health boost, their expert-guided texts provide personalized tips and advice. Sign up for a year of support and get: Daily or twice-weekly texts tailored to your situation Actionable strategies to cope and move forward Support for those who care about you (optional) HelpTexts makes getting help easy and convenient. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Make Your Brain Span Match Your LifeSpan Relevate from NeuroReserve I've been focusing a lot on taking care of my brain health, & I've found this supplement called RELEVATE to be incredibly helpful. It provides me with 17 nutrients that support brain function & help keep me sharp. Since you're someone I care about, I wanted to share this discovery with you. You can order it with my code: FM15 & get 15% OFF your order. With Relevate nutritional supplement, you get science-backed nutrition to help protect your brain power today and for years to come.