Lewy body dementia is a form of progressive dementia that affects more than 100,000 people in the UK alone. It can be difficult to understand and care for someone with lewy body dementia at home, as it's often hard to recognise the signs early on.
This blog post will explore what lewy body dementia is; its causes, symptoms, treatment and care at home. And we'll explain why professional assistance makes a difference when caring for someone with this disease.
Knowing about this disease and its symptoms can help you make an informed decision about treatment and your care options.
What is Lewy Body Dementia?
Lewy body dementia (LBD) is a progressive neurological disorder that affects thinking, behaviour, and movement. The buildup of abnormal proteins in the brain causes cognitive decline, changes in behaviour and physical symptoms such as tremors and stiffness. This condition often progresses quickly, leading to difficulty with daily activities.
Causes of Lewy Body Dementia
The cause of LBD is unknown, but it's probably related to age, genetics, and environment. It may also be linked to other diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease or Alzheimer’s disease.
In some cases, the alpha-synuclein protein builds up in the brain and forms deposits called "Lewy bodies," disrupting communication between nerve cells. Also, the presence of these proteins can lead to cognitive decline over time.
Symptoms of Lewy Body Dementia
The symptoms of dementia with Lewy Bodies vary from person to person, but common signs include:
Memory problems
Memory loss
Difficulty with problem-solving tasks
Hallucinations, or delusions, confusion (seeing things that are not there)
Muscle rigidity and tremor, shaking (Parkinsonism)
Sleep disturbances, including vivid dreams or nightmares during the daytime hours
Depression and anxiety
Balance problems due to muscle weakness
Changes in blood pressure when standing up (orthostatic hypotension)
Physical symptoms can also manifest as slow movements and balance problems leading to falls
Understanding the Condition
Understanding how LBD affects individuals will help caregivers provide better care for their loved one living with this condition. It's important for family members to understand what type of support their loved one needs daily.
This understanding can help them make informed decisions about care options available at home or elsewhere in their community.
Lewy Body Dementia is a complex condition that can be challenging to understand and manage. Caring for someone with Lewy Body Dementia at home requires dedication, understanding, and patience.
Key Takeaway: Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) is a progressive neurological disorder with unknown causes. But symptoms can include memory loss, confusion, hallucinations, delusions, stiff limbs and tremors, sleep disturbances and depression. Caregivers should understand the individual's needs to make informed decisions about care options available.
Can Lewy Body Dementia Be Prevented?
Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent dementia with Lewy Bodies, since its cause remains unknown.
However, there are a few lifestyle changes that may reduce your risk of developing this condition, such as:
Eating a healthy diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids
Fruits/vegetables
Exercising regularly
Getting enough sleep every night
Engaging in mentally stimulating activities like reading or puzzles
Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
Staying socially connected with family/friends/support groups.
Caring for Someone with Lewy Body Dementia at Home
Caring for someone with Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) at home can be a difficult and overwhelming task. It is important to understand the condition, its symptoms, and how it affects your loved one.
Here are some tips for caregivers on managing lewy bodies dementia, treatment plans, maintaining a safe environment, and providing emotional support.
Tips for Caregivers
Caring for someone with LBD is emotionally draining, so it's important to take time out to relax or do something you enjoy. It's good to find people who are going through the same things as you, so you can talk without judgement.
Additionally, make sure you get enough sleep and eat healthy meals throughout the day, to stay energised while caring for your loved one.
We understand how hard this situation is for you all as a family. Look for respite care services that will give you time to relax, without worrying about leaving your loved one or feeling guilty. To be a good strong carer, you need to take good care of yourself.
Managing Medication and Treatment Plans
It's important to work with medical professionals when caring for someone with lewy body disease. They may need to adjust medications often because of symptoms or treatment side effects.
There are many treatment options, like medication, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, nutritional counselling, social worker support, memory clinic, and psychological counselling.
Make sure your loved one takes medication as prescribed to provide optimal results from treatment plans. Additionally, keep track of any changes in behaviour or physical health, so that they can be reported back to healthcare providers if necessary.
Maintaining a Safe Environment
People with LBD often have trouble remembering safety protocols, such as not leaving doors unlocked or using appliances without supervision. To prevent home accidents, set reminders, like alarms or signs, in dangerous areas. These actions will reduce risks over time.
Caring for someone with LBD at home can cause stress, which can lead to depression. Having a strong support system is key when living with this disease.
Be patient, understanding, and compassionate when they're distressed, but also try to encourage activities like reading books, listening to music, or taking walks outside.
Caring for someone with Lewy Body Dementia at home can be a challenging, yet rewarding experience. Home care services help your loved one get the best care possible while providing peace of mind for both caregivers and their loved ones.
Benefits of Home Care Services for People with Lewy Body Dementia
Home care services can provide a wide range of benefits to people with Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) and their families. Professional assistance and support are key components of home care, as caregivers have the knowledge and experience needed to help manage the condition’s symptoms.
Caregivers can also provide emotional support for those living with LBD, which is often necessary to maintain quality of life.
Also, home care services offer improved comfort levels for those suffering from LBD. Caregivers can closely monitor patients, making sure they receive appropriate medical attention when needed, while also providing companionship during difficult times. This level of personalised attention helps create an environment where individuals feel safe and secure in their own homes.
Finally, home care services provide access to specialised care tailored specifically for people with LBD. From medication management plans designed by experienced professionals to activities that stimulate cognitive functioning.
These services make sure that each patient receives individualised treatment based on their unique needs and abilities. Daily tasks with personal care, such as bathing or dressing, if necessary, so that family members don’t have to take on this responsibility alone.
Home care services can help people with Lewy Body Dementia feel safe and have access to professional assistance and specialised care.
How to Get Help from Home Care Services for People with Lewy Body Dementia?
Finding the right home care provider for a loved one with Lewy Body Dementia can be daunting. But, with some research and careful consideration, you can find the best option to meet your needs.
Researching Home Care Providers in Your Area
Start by researching local home care providers online or through referrals from friends and family. Make sure to read reviews of each provider and compare their services, fees, and availability.
You may also want to contact each provider directly to ask questions about their experience working with clients with Lewy Body Dementia.
Making an Informed Decision on the Right Provider
Consider factors such as price, reliability, and service when deciding which provider is best for you or your loved one. Consider cost, quality, and location while choosing a caregiver. Consider additional specialisations, such as being a plumber or a chef, too.
When contacting a home care provider about your loved ones requirements. Talk to the agency team by phone or email about yourself/your loved one, including medical history and current condition. They'll tell you what type of support is needed.
The team should help you every step of the way until the final implementation into daily life routines.
FAQs in Relation to Lewy Body Dementia UK
What is the life expectancy of someone with Lewy Body Dementia?
The life expectancy of someone with Lewy body dementia depends on their age, health, and how quickly the disease progresses.
Generally speaking, people with Lewy body dementia tend to live an average of 8-10 years after a diagnosis. However, some individuals may experience a longer or shorter lifespan due to their particular circumstances.
Patients and families need to know that this type of dementia can progress quickly, and that the patient and family should take care to protect their quality of life.
What are the final stages of Lewy Body Dementia?
The final stages of Lewy body dementia can be divided into three distinct phases. Increasing confusion, difficulty with communication, and memory loss characterise the first phase. During this stage, the person may experience recurrent visual hallucinations, and delusions, as well as changes in behaviour.
The second phase involves a decline in physical abilities, such as walking or eating, increased sleepiness during the day, and more frequent falls.
Finally, the third phase includes severe cognitive impairment, leading to complete dependence on others for care. As death approaches, breathing problems become increasingly common due to weakened muscles associated with the disease.
Next steps for helping a loved one who needs care
People with Lewy Body Dementia need home care services to help with expert support and assistance.
If your loved one has been diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia, please don't hesitate to contact us for help with home care services. This way, you can get the support you need to make sure your loved one is well cared for and comfortable.
Abney & Baker provides care at home and domiciliary services for those with dementia or other conditions which require extra assistance. Our goal is to provide quality care so your loved one can stay in a safe and comfortable environment for as long as possible.
Contact us today for more information about our comprehensive range of support solutions – let's work together towards finding the right solution!
Helping your loved one to continue living independently and confidently in their own home.
By providing a range of support at home, we’re helping many clients across Bath & North East Somerset and West Wiltshire retain their independence and stay in control in the comfort of their own homes.
Remember we’re always here if you want to chat about your care options. Just get in touch:
Call 0333 043 4880 - Email enquiries@abneyandbaker.com - Book a call here