Daily living and health
Lewy body dementia
Lewy body dementia is dementia linked to abnormal deposits of a protein called alpha-synuclein, known as Lewy bodies, in the brain. It can cause changes in thinking, movement, sleep, and alertness. Some people also see things that are not there. It often overlaps with Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's.
Why it matters for your family
Lewy body dementia can be hard to spot. A person may seem sharp one day and confused the next. Other signs include vivid hallucinations, acting out dreams, stiffness, and falls. Some medicines can make symptoms worse, so families should tell every doctor about the diagnosis before any new prescription. A common mistake is arguing with a person about what they see. Calm reassurance usually works better. Caregivers can help with safety, routines, and fall prevention. An experienced specialist can guide care and medicine choices. Sleep routines and a safe bedroom also matter, because night movement can lead to injury.
Source: nia.nih.gov
Related terms
- DementiaDementia is a group of symptoms, not one disease.
- Parkinson's diseaseParkinson's disease is a brain disorder that causes movement problems.
- Alzheimer's diseaseAlzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disorder that slowly harms memory, thinking, and eventually the ability to do simple tasks.
- Fall riskFall risk is the chance that a person will fall and be hurt.
- SundowningSundowning is increased confusion, anxiety, or agitation that some people with Alzheimer's disease or other dementia feel from late afternoon through night.
- Dementia careDementia care is support for people with memory loss and other thinking problems that disrupt daily life.
