Common Symptoms Of Lewy Body Dementia
Lewy body dementia is a form of dementia that can cause a number of issues within the body. People who are diagnosed with Lewy body dementia typically begin experiencing symptoms later in life. While there is no cure for Lewy body dementia, doctors can prescribe medications to help control some of the symptoms. It is important to know the symptoms of Lewy body dementia so a person can seek treatment. Some of the common signs of Lewy body dementia include:
Problems with Movement
Many people with Lewy body dementia experience a number of problems with movement; in a lot of cases, the symptoms that people with this condition experience are similar to Parkinson's disease. Lewy body dementia can cause rigid muscles, tremors, slow movement, and a shuffling walk.
Hallucinations
It is not uncommon for people with Lewy body dementia to experience hallucinations. Hallucinating is generally one of the first symptoms of Lewy body dementia, and the hallucinations are likely to reoccur. Visual hallucinations are most common with Lewy body dementia; people may begin to see people, animals, or objects that are not actually there. While visual hallucinations are most common, it is also possible for a person to experience auditory, tactile, or olfactory hallucinations as well.
Problems with Cognition
Most people with Lewy body dementia experience problems with cognition, similar to those who have Alzheimer's disease. Memory loss, confusion, inability to pay attention, and difficulty with visual-spatial problem solving are all common. Depending on the severity of the cognitive problems, a person may need full-time care for his or her safety.
Body Has Difficulty Regulating Functions
Lewy body dementia causes problems with the autonomic nervous system, which creates problems with the regulation of bodily functions. The body of a person with Lewy body dementia loses the ability to properly regulate blood pressure, sweating, digestion, and pulse. The inability to regulate these bodily functions can lead to falls, dizziness, and bowel issues.
Sleep Disorders
As Lewy body dementia progresses, many people experience difficulty sleeping and sleep disorders. The most common problem is REM sleep behavior disorder, which can cause a person to physically act out the actions from their dreams. This can be dangerous, so if you or a loved one are experiencing REM sleep behavior disorder along with one or more of the above mentioned symptoms of Lewy body dementia, it is important to see a doctor promptly so tests can be run and medications can be prescribed.
For more information, get in touch with a center like Lewy Body Dementia Resource Center.