When a loved one begins showing signs of memory loss or confusion, families often assume Alzheimer’s disease is the cause. But for some, the true diagnosis may be Lewy body dementia, a different and often misunderstood form of cognitive decline. The two conditions share similarities but require distinct care approaches.
At The Kensington Redondo Beach, our team is trained to recognize and respond to the unique symptoms and challenges of both diagnoses.
If you’re navigating the question, does my loved one have Lewy body dementia or Alzheimer’s, this guide will help you understand what makes them different, and how compassionate, specialized care can make all the difference.
What Is Alzheimer’s Disease?
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 60–80% of all cases.
It is a progressive, degenerative brain disorder that typically begins with:
- Short-term memory loss
- Difficulty learning new information
- Trouble with reasoning or problem-solving
- Disorientation, especially with time or place
As Alzheimer’s progresses, individuals may experience language difficulties, behavioral changes, and eventually lose the ability to perform daily tasks.
While the cause is not fully understood, Alzheimer’s is linked to abnormal protein buildups in the brain known as amyloid plaques and tau tangles.
What Is Lewy Body Dementia?
Lewy body dementia (LBD) is the second most common type of progressive dementia. It results from abnormal protein deposits called Lewy bodies that interfere with brain chemistry and function.
Unlike Alzheimer’s, LBD presents more prominently with:
- Fluctuating alertness or confusion
- Visual hallucinations (often early in the disease)
- REM sleep behavior disorder
- Parkinson’s-like symptoms such as stiffness, tremors, and slow movement
- Heightened sensitivity to certain medications
Because of its overlap with other conditions, like Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s, LBD is frequently misdiagnosed. Yet, an accurate diagnosis is critical for effective treatment and care.
Lewy Body Dementia vs Alzheimer’s: Key Differences
While Lewy body dementia and Alzheimer’s are both progressive forms of dementia, they differ in how symptoms first appear and evolve.
In Alzheimer’s, memory loss is often the earliest and most prominent symptom. Individuals may forget recent conversations, repeat questions, or struggle to recognize familiar places or faces. Over time, reasoning, communication, and daily function decline steadily.
Lewy body dementia, on the other hand, typically begins with fluctuations in attention or alertness. A person may seem clear one day and confused the next. Visual hallucinations are common early on and may be vivid and detailed.
Many individuals also develop movement symptoms that resemble Parkinson’s disease, such as tremors, slow walking, or stiffness. Sleep disturbances, especially acting out dreams, are another hallmark of LBD.
Another major distinction is how people with LBD react to medications. They are often extremely sensitive to certain antipsychotic drugs, which can worsen confusion or cause severe side effects. This makes an accurate diagnosis crucial.
Understanding these differences helps families better recognize what they’re seeing and choose a care approach that truly fits the condition.
Diagnosis Challenges: Why Expertise Matters
Because Lewy body dementia shares symptoms with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, many individuals are first misdiagnosed, leading to ineffective or even harmful treatments.
Some medications used in Alzheimer’s care can cause dangerous side effects in those with LBD.
At The Kensington Redondo Beach, we prioritize comprehensive assessments and ongoing training to help identify nuanced symptoms and tailor care accordingly.
This allows us to:
- Avoid harmful medications
- Respond compassionately to behavioral symptoms
- Provide appropriate therapies for movement and cognition
- Keep families informed and involved in care planning
How Our Team Supports Each Diagnosis
Whether your loved one is living with Alzheimer’s or Lewy body dementia, our promise remains the same: To love and care for your family as we do our own. Here’s how that translates into action.
For Alzheimer’s Disease:
- Memory care neighborhoods designed for predictability and comfort
- Structured routines and calming environments
- Cognitive activities that reinforce remaining abilities
- Specialized programming in our Connections and Haven neighborhoods
For Lewy Body Dementia:
- Monitoring for motor symptoms and fall risks
- Gentle medication management and physician collaboration
- Redirection techniques for hallucinations and confusion
- Flexible scheduling to accommodate alertness fluctuations
Because LBD is more sensitive to environmental triggers, our calm, well-lit spaces and personalized routines help reduce distress and confusion.
Physical and Cognitive Therapies for Both Conditions
Whether facing Alzheimer’s or LBD, individuals often benefit from physical and occupational therapy to preserve mobility, balance, and strength.
At The Kensington Redondo Beach, our on-site rehabilitation services offer:
- Fall-prevention programs
- Fine motor skill training
- Speech and language support
- Gentle mobility exercises
These therapies are built into daily care plans and adjusted as conditions progress, providing the right level of support at the right time.
Family Support and Education
Dementia doesn’t affect only the person diagnosed, it touches every member of the family. That’s why The Kensington Redondo Beach offers:
- Regular family care conferences
- Educational workshops and guest speakers
- Support groups for dementia caregiving
- Open, compassionate communication from our team
Families navigating Lewy body dementia vs Alzheimer’s often need help understanding what to expect.
Our clinical and emotional support helps ease uncertainty, reduce burnout, and empower loved ones to stay connected through every stage.
Aging in Place With Dignity
One of the most powerful aspects of our community is the ability to age in place, even as care needs change. Whether a loved one begins with a mild diagnosis or joins our memory care neighborhoods later, there is no need to relocate to a different community.
This stability is especially important for those with dementia, who benefit from familiar surroundings and consistent caregivers.
When to Seek Help
You may want to seek evaluation if your loved one:
- Experiences frequent confusion or memory loss
- Begins seeing things that aren’t there
- Shows sudden changes in movement or alertness
- Has vivid dreams or falls out of bed
- Becomes more withdrawn or emotionally distant
If you’re unsure whether symptoms point to Alzheimer’s, Lewy body dementia, or another condition, the team at The Kensington Redondo Beach can help guide you with compassion and expertise.
Contact us today to speak with a care advisor or schedule a personalized consultation.