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Lewy Body dementia - Lewy Body dementia Symptom, Cause, Treatment
We established the LBDA to provide comprehensive scientific, clinical and caregiver information on Lewy body dementias (LBD) also commonly referred to as dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). Lewy body Dementia is a form of progressive dementia identified by abnormal structures in brain cells called "Lewy bodies"*. These are distributed in various areas of the brain. A major component of Lewy bodies is a protein called alpha synuclein. The mechanism that leads to the formation of Lewy bodies is unknown. Lewy body Dementia can occur by itself, or together with Alzheimer or Parkinson's Disease. It accounts for 15-20 per cent of all dementias. Other names for Lewy body Dementia include:
- Diffuse Lewy body Disease
- Cortical Lewy body Disease
- Lewy body Disease
- Senile Dementia of Lewy Type
- Dementia with Lewy bodies
- Lewy body variant of Alzheimer's disease
Symptoms of Lewy Body dementia
Lewy body disease is thought to be the second most common form of dementia. It causes cognitive problems similar to those seen in Alzheimer's disease and motor problems like those in Parkinson's. Assessment should include a neurological exam that emphasizes gait, posture and the degree of rigidity. The person may have difficulty with short-term memory, finding the right word and sustaining a train of thought. An individual may also experience depression and anxiety. In Lewy body Dementia, there is progressive loss of memory, language, reasoning and other higher mental functions, such as calculation.
Causes of Lewy Body dementia
The Causes of Lewy Body dementia are includes
- The etiology of DLB is not known.
- Rare cases of familial DLB have been reported.
- Apolipoprotein E subtype 4 (ApoE4) genotype is overrepresented only when DLB occurs with concomitant AD.
- The disease is passed from generation to generation.
Treatment of Lewy Body dementia
The Treatment of Lewy Body dementia are includes
- Somewhat controversial studies have suggested that selegiline and/or vitamin E may slow the rate of progression of AD and PD. Therefore, these drugs may be useful in DLB. However, formal studies are lacking. Selegiline may increase confusion in patients with DLB.
- Levodopa/carbidopa may improve motor function in some patients with DLB. However, in many patients this combination has no effect and may exacerbate psychiatric symptoms or confusion.
- Double-blind, placebo-controlled studies have demonstrated that acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors may decrease psychiatric symptoms associated with DLB particularly apathy, anxiety, hallucinations, and delusions. These studies also demonstrate that patients with DLB treated with cholinesterase inhibitors do better on neuropsychological tests than subjects treated with placebo.
- Treatment programs are tailored to each individual and take into account the needs of the patient and family, while providing state-of-the-art care and access to new developments and appropriate clinical trials.
- Hallucinations and agitation are especially troublesome in DLB. When these symptoms are mild, no medical treatment may be necessary.
- AChE inhibitors should usually be tried first
- Most experts recommend atypical neuroleptics such as risperidone, olanzapine, or clozapine.
- Avoid standard neuroleptics such as haloperidol because of neuroleptic sensitivity.
- Physical therapy and exercise classes can be useful to maintain mobility. Advise families of potential problems faced by patients with DLB who drive.
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