Understanding Lewy Body Dementia (LBD)
Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) is a condition where the essence of the person you know weaves through clarity and cloudiness. In the UK, LBD stands as a significant but often misunderstood form of dementia, distinguished by its unique combination of cognitive and motor symptoms. Having a Herbert Protocol set up for a person living with LBD is a compassionate and practical step towards prioritising their safety. If you or a loved one is navigating life with LBD, here’s everything you need to know…
What is Lewy Body Dementia?
Lewy Body Dementia is like a quiet change in the mind. It’s a brain disorder and one of the most common types of dementia after Alzheimer’s disease. LBD is a condition where brain cells are gradually obscured by Lewy bodies — unwelcome protein deposits, which leads to a deterioration of cognitive, physical, and emotional abilities.
What are some of the signs and symptoms of Lewy Body Dementia?
Identifying LBD is not always straightforward. The signs may start faintly, with moments of forgetfulness or a slight tremor in the hand, but they can turn into a more noticeable pattern of cognitive dips, vivid hallucinations, and changes in alertness.
Moments of alertness may alternate with times of foggy thought, and movements might slow as if resisting an unseen force. Recognising these signs is a first and vital step towards seeking a medical diagnosis, care, and support.
Common symptoms of Lewy Body Dementia
Fluctuations in cognitive abilities
Visual hallucinations
Parkinsonian motor symptoms (e.g., rigidity, slow movement)
Sleep disturbances
Memory impairment
Mood changes, such as depression
Behavioural changes, including apathy or agitation
What are the causes and risk factors of Lewy Body Dementia?
The exact causes of LBD are not fully known, but they are often linked with the ageing process, predominantly affecting people aged over 60. LBD is slightly more common in men and may also have a genetic connection if it’s in your family history.
How is Lewy Body Dementia diagnosed?
Diagnosing LBD can be a delicate process. It involves piecing together the story of symptoms, a thorough medical check-up, and often, detailed brain scans. It’s like assembling a jigsaw puzzle with care, ensuring each piece fits precisely to complete the picture of a person’s unique situation.
What is the treatment for Lewy Body Dementia?
While there is currently no cure for LBD, the treatments focus on managing symptoms. Medications such as cholinesterase inhibitors may help with cognitive troubles or steady the tremble of movement challenges. Parkinson’s disease medications may also offer some relief for movement symptoms.
Both physical and cognitive therapies can act as supportive companions, guiding you or your loved one to retain independence and engage with life’s joys.
Living with Lewy Body Dementia
Living with LBD means adapting to a new pattern of life, creating a flow that’s both familiar and comforting. Structured routines become the steady beat, while a safe and nurturing home environment offers a harmonious backdrop. Engagement in gentle activities and social connections are encouraged for bringing joy and meaning to daily life.
Regular check-ups with healthcare providers can help manage LBD risk factors and monitor the progression of dementia. Medication management is also important – consider using pill organisers or setting reminders to ensure that medications are taken as prescribed.
Living with LBD can bring a spectrum of emotions – frustration, sadness, joy, and hope. It’s essential to acknowledge these feelings and seek support when needed. Counselling or joining a support group can be avenues for finding solace and strength.
How to best support a loved one with Lewy Body Dementia
Supporting a loved one with LBD is about becoming their anchor and their compass. Knowledge is your map, support networks your crew, and self-care your lifeboat. Together, you’ll navigate LBD with strength and love. It is important to educate yourself about the disease, utilise support networks for LBD caregivers, focus on your own well-being, and always seek professional help when needed.
The Herbert Protocol for a person with Lewy Body Dementia
In the journey of LBD, the Herbert Protocol serves as a safety plan designed for a quick response should a person with LBD ever lose their way. At MedicAlert, we champion this proactive measure, providing a secure place for important information that emergency responders can access swiftly. With our support, you can focus on the moment, secure in the knowledge that safety measures are in place, ready to guide your loved one home.
Complete a Herbert Protocol Form
Create a profile with MedicAlert and complete the Herbert Protocol form within. You can manage and update it at anytime with ease.
