Lewy Body Dementia, The Second-Most Common Type Of Progressive Dementia In The Elderly
Lewy body dementia (LBD) affects an estimated 1.3 million individuals and their families in the United States, but because LBD symptoms can closely resemble other more commonly known diseases like Alzheimers (the most common type of progressive dementia) and Parkinsons, it is currently widely underdiagnosed and there is a good chance your primary care physician is not familiar with it. Despite the disease's prevalence, people with LBD have to see an average of three doctors before the LBD diagnosis is made. LBD symptoms include dementia plus any combination of: unpredictable levels of cognitive abilities, attention and alertness, changes in movement or gait, visual hallucinations, a sleep disorder where people physically act out their dreams, and severe medication sensitivities. The severe medication sensitivities in LBD make it a very difficult disease to treat without worsening already problematic LBD symptoms. At the same time, people with LBD may respond more favorably to certain dementia medications than people with Alzheimer's. For more go to: LBD
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