Understanding Lewy Body Dementia
Personal Care at Home in Broomall PA
There has been a lot of discussion about Lewy Body Dementia lately, but what is it? And how does it affect seniors? With the support of loved ones and personal care at home, seniors can get answers to their questions and feel more comfortable if they have concerns. Continue reading to learn more about this condition, its symptoms, and what is known so far.
What Is Lewy Body Dementia?
Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) is a neurodegenerative illness that affects the brain’s ability to think and function properly. It is a complex disease that gets worse over time. After Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia, it is the third most common type of dementia. Lewy bodies, which are abnormal protein clumps, are a sign of LBD. They are found in the nerve cells of the brain.
To understand Lewy Body Dementia, seniors and their personal care at home team need to know how to spot its signs, what causes it, and how it affects them and their families.
Symptoms of Lewy Body Dementia
There are many signs of LBD, but unfortunately, they can differ for each person. These signs usually include changes in attention and alertness, trouble with executive functions, memory problems, and seeing things that aren’t there. LBD also changes how the muscles work, which can lead to signs of Parkinsonism, like tremors, stiffness, and slow movement. People with LBD may also have trouble sleeping, mood changes, sadness, anxiety, and autonomic dysfunction, which means they may have trouble controlling their blood pressure, digestion, and body temperature. Having personal companion care at home allows for monitoring of possible symptoms.
Causes of Lewy Body Dementia
No one knows for sure what causes Lewy Body Dementia. Researchers think that its growth is caused by a mix of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. LBD is characterized by a buildup of abnormal alpha-synuclein protein in the brain. However, researchers are still figuring out how these Lewy bodies damage and malfunction brain cells.
Lewy Body Dementia can significantly affect both the person who has it and their family. Because the disease is progressive, the symptoms worsen over time, making it harder to do daily tasks and care for oneself. Also, the movement symptoms, similar to Parkinson’s disease, can make it hard to move around. Seniors who are diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia need support to manage the changes, as well as patience from their loved ones and personal care at home aids.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Lewy Body Dementia
LBD can be hard to diagnose because its signs are similar to those of other neurodegenerative diseases. To make a correct diagnosis, a medical professional needs to complete an evaluation that includes a thorough medical history, a neurological exam, and brain imaging. At the moment, there is no cure for LBD. Instead, treatment works on managing the symptoms and improving life. Medication that helps with cognitive, motor, and mental health issues and non-drug treatments like physical therapy, occupational therapy, and support from personal care at home are the main ways to treat this issue.
There is still a lot to learn about Lewy Body Dementia, but understanding the basics can give seniors and their personal care at home team the information they need for monitoring any concerns. If these concerns increase, it’s essential to contact a medical team for a proper diagnosis.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Personal Care at Home in Broomall, PA, please contact the caring staff at True Direct Home Health Care today (215) 309-3119
Doc, as he is called by everyone - staff, patients and clients - first experienced home health care and hospice care while as a colleg student at King's College as he cared for his mother every day while she first battled COPD and then lung cancer. It was during this time that he came to understand that caring for a patient was more than just clinical expertise.
"Admittedly, my strongest attribute is my communication skills and the simple fact that I love to help people. Even the smallest thing you can do for someone really can mean so much to them long term. In fact, it could change them forever. That's what providing quality personal home health care should be all about."
In his spare time, he cooks for homeless shelters and children's music and arts events. He also is highly involved in his local youth sports soccer academy as a coach and Board member.
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