Lewy body disease is the precursor of dementia in the elderly. It is caused by the formation of abnormal structures in the brain or medically known as Lewy bodies.
Lewy body dementia happens when abnormal amounts of proteins deposit in the brain region and may also lead to Parkinson's disease. Lewy bodies have also been found to cause Alzheimer's disease in many cases.
People above the age of 60 years are mainly prone to dementia and mostly male are prone to dementia. Intensified stress, depression, lack of sleep, and alcoholism also leads to Lewy body dementia.
Genetic hereditary and family history may also lead to risk of Lewy body induced dementia. Family history with Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease may also risk Lewy body induced dementia.
Signs And Symptoms
- Lack of alertness and attention
- Intense hallucinations
- Difficulty movement and posture
- Hard time thinking
- Muscles get stiffened
- Confusion
- Loss of memory
- Sleeping deprivation
- Depression
- Lack of motivation
Diagnosis
The doctor may diagnose Lewy body dementia on the basis of symptoms and advise for biomarker tests, and nuclear imaging tests and tests to measure nerve function, neurological and physical examination and assessment of mental abilities.
Blood tests and brain scans can however, help in ruling out physical problems. There is no specific treatment yet to treat dementia, however, doctors may prescribe cholinesterase inhibitors and psychological help.
