4 ‘difficult to identify’ indicators of Lewy physique dementia — When to see a GP
Dementia is a syndrome — a bunch of associated signs — related to the continued decline of the mind.
Many of us are conscious of a few of the normal indicators that include dementia, akin to reminiscence loss and character modifications.
However, these can range relying on the kind of dementia somebody has.
And whereas there may be at the moment no remedy, there are therapies obtainable to assist ease a few of the signs, in addition to assist for folks with dementia and their family members.
Therefore, the earlier you see the indicators, the earlier you’ll be able to search the suitable assist.
There are many forms of dementia. Alzheimer’s illness is the commonest type of dementia within the UK, affecting round six in 10 sufferers.
Lewy physique dementia, or dementia with Lewy our bodies, is the second most typical.
It is attributable to lumps of protein forming contained in the mind.
They accumulate in areas of the mind used for capabilities akin to pondering, visible notion and muscle motion.
As a consequence the signs may be each psychological and bodily.
According to the Lewy Body Dementia Resource Centre, within the US, there are 4 “tricky to spot” signs of Lewy physique dementia to look out for.
These are:
- A discount in coordination
- Balance issues
- Frequent falls
- A change in handwriting.
These could possibly be mistaken for the conventional ageing course of or Parkinson’s illness, it warns.
On its web site, the centre explains: “Subtle changes in movement are to be expected with age, but it’s crucial to look out for symptoms that are similar to Parkinson’s disease.
“These warning signs often include a reduction in coordination, balance problems and frequent falls, or a change in handwriting.
“These symptoms can be tricky to spot and are often associated with other diseases.
“Moreover, those with Lewy body dementia usually don’t experience significant changes in movement until later stages.”
Further tell-tale indicators of Lewy physique dementia that distinguish it from different types of dementia embrace hallucinations and sleep issues.
“Unlike Alzheimer’s disease, individuals in the early stages of Lewy body dementia may exhibit cognitive changes such as hallucinations or distortions of reality,” the centre says.
“In general, hallucinations caused by Lewy body dementia are vivid and usually visual, rather than auditory.”
It provides: “Sleep problems that may arise with the onset of Lewy body dementia include vivid dreaming, sleepwalking or talking during the night, unusual daytime drowsiness, and insomnia.”
The NHS lists indicators of Lewy physique dementia as:
- Hallucinations and listening to voices
- Confusion or sleepiness – this could change over minutes or hours
- Slow motion, stiff limbs and tremors (uncontrollable shaking)
- Disturbed sleep, typically with violent actions and shouting out
- Fainting spells, unsteadiness and falls
- Depression and nervousness.
If you suppose somebody is displaying indicators of dementia it’s best to communicate to a GP.