When it comes to progressive types of dementia, Lewy body dementia is second only to Alzheimer’s disease. Lewy bodies develop in regions of the brain that control memory, thinking abilities, and motor control. When the disorder isn’t controlled, it can cause memory to decrease at a rapid pace. Continue reading to learn about Lewy body dementia, including what causes the condition and how to treat it.
Parkinson’s Disease
Older adults living with neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s are at higher risk for developing Lewy body dementia. If your elderly parent has Parkinson’s, the dementia symptoms may show up first. In most cases, Parkinson’s disrupts the ability to process visual information, which makes it difficult to maintain balance, operate a motor vehicle, or use everyday objects such as forks, spoons, and cooking utensils. Your family may assume your parent’s decreased abilities are due to Parkinson’s, but the disorder may have led to Lewy body dementia and affected your loved one’s memory, causing thinking problems that interfere with everyday activities.
A highly trained caregiver with experience in caring for seniors with dementia can be a fantastic resource for family members. Families looking for top-rated elderly home care providers can reach out to Home Care Assistance. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones.
Genetics
If Lewy body dementia runs in your family, your parent has higher odds of developing the condition. However, this doesn’t guarantee a diagnosis in the senior years. There are variants of three specific genes (APOE, GBA, and SNCA) that typically raise the risk of this progressive form of dementia. Take your loved one to the doctor for testing, which can determine if he or she has any of the genetic variants mentioned above. If so, your loved one’s physician will explain the risk factors.
For dementia care Edmonton families can count on, reach out to Home Care Assistance. Our compassionate caregivers use revolutionary memory care programs to help seniors stave off the progression of dementia, and they can also assist with a wide variety of important everyday tasks, including bathing, grooming, exercise, and cooking.
Sleeping Disorders
Poor sleeping patterns and various age-related conditions can cause Lewy body dementia. One of the top sleeping conditions that impacts older adults is REM sleep behavior disorder. Instead of sleeping, your loved one will act out his or her dreams during the night. He or she might jump out of bed, sit up for long periods, grab things, yell, or punch objects. These are actions that prevent the body from resting and clearing out abnormal Lewy body deposits from the brain. The chemicals from the protein deposits can lead to movement, behavior, and thinking challenges.
Treatment
Once your loved one receives a Lewy body dementia diagnosis, the doctor will develop a treatment plan, which could include medications, physical therapy, counseling, and a variety of mental exercises. The physician may also recommend making changes to the home and purchasing medical equipment that can make it easier to complete daily tasks. In addition to meeting with speech therapists, mental health counselors, and music and art therapists, your loved one will need emotional support from family and friends to manage the symptoms associated with Lewy body dementia.
If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of senior care Edmonton, AB, families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s. To learn more about our reliable, compassionate in-home care services, contact us at (780) 490-7337 today.