Caring for a loved one with Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) can feel overwhelming, but you are not alone.
The Kensington Redondo Beach is here to provide education, support, and expert care to families navigating the challenges of dementia.
That’s why we hosted the informative discussion: “Lewy Body Dementia, Parkinson’s & Alzheimer’s: Treatments & Diagnosis.”
Our guest experts included:
- Keith N. Fargo, PhD, Director of Scientific Initiatives at the Lewy Body Dementia Association
- Connor D. Courtney, PhD of Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Associate Director of Research Programs at the Parkinson’s Foundation,
- Claire Day, Chief Program Officer at the Alzheimer’s Association
Let’s break down the key differences and overlaps between these neurological conditions and offer guidance on the most effective care strategies and treatment options.
Understanding Lewy Body Dementia stages
Lewy Body Dementia is a progressive neurological disease caused by abnormal brain protein deposits (Lewy bodies).
It shares symptoms with both Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, making it difficult to diagnose in its early stages.
While the progression of LBD varies from person to person, experts generally divide it into three stages: early, middle, and late.
Each stage presents unique challenges, requiring different approaches to care.
Early stage: Mild symptoms and diagnosis
In the initial phase, symptoms may be subtle and easily mistaken for normal aging or mild cognitive impairment.
Common early-stage signs include
- Mild memory issues: Difficulty recalling recent conversations or misplacing items.
- Visual hallucinations: Seeing things that aren’t there, such as people or animals.
- Sleep disturbances: Acting out dreams (REM sleep disorder) or excessive daytime drowsiness.
- Mood changes: Depression, anxiety, or apathy.
Caregiving tips for the early stage
- Seek a specialist: A neurologist or dementia expert can help confirm an LBD diagnosis.
- Plan for the future: Discuss legal, financial, and long-term care decisions early.
- Create a structured routine: Consistency helps reduce anxiety and confusion.
- Monitor medications: Some drugs used for Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s can worsen LBD symptoms.
Middle stage: Increased cognitive and motor symptoms
As LBD progresses, cognitive decline becomes more noticeable, and movement-related symptoms may develop.
At this stage, individuals may experience:
- Worsening memory and confusion: Difficulty recognizing loved ones or following conversations.
- More frequent hallucinations or delusions: They may see people who aren’t there or believe false realities.
- Mobility issues: Stiffness, tremors, or difficulty walking, similar to Parkinson’s disease.
- Speech and swallowing problems: Slower speech or choking on food.
Caregiving tips for the middle stage:
- Ensure home safety: Remove trip hazards, install grab bars, and provide fall prevention measures.
- Simplify communication: Speak slowly, use short sentences, and allow time for responses.
- Introduce mobility aids: A walker or wheelchair may be necessary to prevent falls.
- Watch for behavior changes: Agitation or paranoia may require adjustments in care strategies.
Late stage: Severe cognitive and physical decline
In the final stage of Lewy Body Dementia, individuals require full-time assistance.
Late-state LBD symptoms include:
- Severe memory loss: They may no longer recognize family members.
- Loss of physical function: Difficulty moving, swallowing, or controlling bladder/bowel function.
- Limited communication: Speaking becomes difficult, and nonverbal communication is more important.
- Increased susceptibility to infections: Such as pneumonia, due to difficulty swallowing.
Caregiving tips for the late stage:
- Prioritize comfort and dignity: Soft foods, gentle touch, and familiar music can provide comfort.
- Consider professional memory care: Communities like The Kensington Redondo Beach offer specialized dementia care.
- Seek palliative or hospice care: This ensures compassionate, end-of-life support.
Available care and treatment options for Lewy Body Dementia
While there is no cure for Lewy Body Dementia, various treatments and care approaches can improve quality of life and manage symptoms.
Medications for symptom management
- Leqembi (lecanemab): This FDA-approved drug, initially developed for Alzheimer’s disease, has shown promise in slowing cognitive decline by targeting amyloid plaques in the brain.
- Cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., Rivastigmine, Donepezil): These improve cognitive function and reduce hallucinations.
- Levodopa (for Parkinsonian symptoms): Aids in improving movement-related difficulties.
- Melatonin or Clonazepam: Helps with REM sleep disorder and reduces sleep disturbances.
- Antipsychotic caution: Many antipsychotic medications worsen LBD symptoms and should only be used under close medical supervision.
Non-medication therapies for LBD
- Cognitive therapy: Engaging in memory exercises and brain-stimulating activities.
- Physical therapy: Strengthening muscles and improving mobility to prevent falls.
- Music and art therapy: Enhancing emotional well-being through creative expression.
- Sleep hygiene strategies: Establishing a bedtime routine to manage sleep disturbances.
The importance of specialized memory care
As Lewy Body Dementia progresses, caregiving becomes increasingly complex.
Individuals with LBD experience fluctuating cognition, unpredictable behaviors, mobility issues, and an increased risk of falls, infections, and agitation.
Because of these unique challenges, families often find that professional memory care communities provide their loved ones with the safest and most supportive environment.
At The Kensington Redondo Beach, we understand that every person with LBD requires personalized, evolving care that adapts to their changing needs.
Here’s why specialized memory care is essential:
- Three neighborhoods of customized care
- Expert dementia-trained caregivers
- Safe, structured environments
- Customized wellness and therapy programs
- Medication and symptom management
- Family support and education
Take the next step: Support, care, and community at The Kensington Redondo Beach
Caring for a loved one with Lewy Body Dementia is an emotional and demanding journey—but you don’t have to face it alone.
At The Kensington Redondo Beach, we are more than just a memory care community—we are a family, a support system, and a trusted partner in your loved one’s care.
Whether you are looking for immediate memory care support or planning for the future, we invite you to schedule a visit to experience our warm, nurturing environment firsthand. See how our assisted living and three memory care neighborhoods cater to varying levels of need.
At The Kensington Redondo Beach, we honor Our Promise: To love and care for your family as we do our own.
Contact The Kensington Redondo Beach to learn more about our community, amenities, services, upcoming events, and caregiver resources.