Dementia with Lewy Bodies

Subtle Signs, Not PD: Recognizing Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB)

Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB) is a neurodegenerative disorder often confused with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) or Alzheimer’s. As an atypical parkinsonism and synucleinopathy, it blends movement issues with early cognitive decline, hallucinations, and sleep disturbances, progressing faster than PD with poor levodopa response. Early detection enhances care. CCF Coleen Cunningham Foundation, serving Canada, USA, UK, Australia, and India.

About DLB

  • What It Is: A disorder from Lewy body protein buildup, affecting movement, cognition, and alertness.
  • Who It Affects: Onset typically after 65, slightly more common in men.
  • Progression: Varies widely, 2-20 years, with average life expectancy of 5-8 years post-diagnosis.
  • Not PD: Cognitive issues and hallucinations start early, unlike PD.

Key Symptoms to Look For

  • Fluctuating Cognition: Alertness varies—lucid one moment, confused the next, unlike steady dementia.
  • Visual Hallucinations: Vivid images (e.g., people, animals), often detailed and recurring.
  • Parkinsonism: Tremor, stiffness, or slowness, typically after cognitive symptoms begin.
  • Sleep Disturbances: Acting out dreams (REM sleep behavior disorder)—yelling, hitting during sleep.
  • Autonomic Issues: Dizziness on standing (orthostatic hypotension), urinary problems.

Subtle Signs, Not PD

  • Daytime Drowsiness: Excessive sleepiness or long naps, unexplained by fatigue.
  • Sensitivity Spike: Severe reactions to antipsychotics (e.g., worsening confusion), missed as a clue.
  • Attention Lapses: Staring spells or zoning out, mistaken for boredom.
  • Mood Swings: Sudden irritability or anxiety, blamed on stress.
  • Faint Tremors: Mild shaking at rest, overlooked until other signs emerge.

Why It Matters

DLB isn’t PD or Alzheimer’s—its mix of hallucinations, fluctuating alertness, and sleep issues sets it apart. Early recognition offers:

  • Adjusted treatments (avoiding harmful antipsychotics).
  • Support for caregivers (managing hallucinations, sleep).
  • Global resources via the CCF Coleen Cunningham Foundation.

Don’t assume PD—these subtle signs could point to DLB and guide better care.

Disclaimer and CCF Contact Info

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment. The CCF Coleen Cunningham Foundation does not provide medical services.

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