Sophie Bennett is a clinical psychologist with a focus on childhood dementia. Her research and clinical work have provided her with a wealth of knowledge that she shares through her writing to help families and caregivers.
Understanding the causes of Lewy body dementia is crucial for early diagnosis and effective management of the condition. Lewy body dementia is characterized by the presence of Lewy bodies, which are abnormal protein deposits that impair the brain's function. While the exact cause of these deposits remains a mystery, several risk factors have been associated with the onset of Lewy body dementia.
Genetics and Age
Genetics appear to play a role in the development of Lewy body dementia, as the condition is more common in people with a family history of the disease. Age is another significant risk factor, with the condition typically affecting people over the age of 60.
Neurotransmitter Imbalance
Another potential cause is an imbalance in the brain's neurotransmitters, chemicals that transmit signals between nerve cells. An excess of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine can cause symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions, which are common in Lewy body dementia.
Understanding Lewy Body Dementia Causes
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Identifying Early Warning Signs
Recognizing the early warning signs of dementia is critical for early intervention and treatment. Some of the first signs of dementia or Alzheimer's can include memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and changes in mood or behaviour. These signs can also be indicative of Lewy body dementia.
In the following video, experts from the Lewy Body Dementia Resource Center explain the early signs of Lewy body dementia and discuss why it is often misdiagnosed.
Now that we've covered the early warning signs of Lewy body dementia, let's move on to understanding the stages of this condition.
Stages of Lewy Body Dementia
Understanding the Lewy body dementia stages can help in managing dementia symptoms and planning for the future. The condition typically progresses through three stages: mild, moderate, and severe. Each stage is characterized by worsening cognitive and physical symptoms.
Let's take a closer look at each of these stages and understand how Lewy body dementia progresses over time.
Understanding these stages and their symptoms is crucial in managing Lewy body dementia. This knowledge can help caregivers prepare and provide the best possible care. Now, let's discuss some strategies for managing dementia symptoms.
Managing Symptoms
While there is currently no cure for Lewy body dementia, there are strategies for managing dementia symptoms. These include medication, lifestyle changes, and supportive care. For more detailed strategies, you can refer to our FAQ on managing dementia-related agitation.
Top Books for Managing Lewy Body Dementia Symptoms
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Our Recommendation Sundown Dementia, Vascular Dementia and Lewy Body Dementia Explained. Stages, Symptoms, Signs, Prognosis, Diagnosis, Treatments, Progression, Care and Sundown Dementia, Vascular Dementia and Lewy Body Dementia Explained. Stages, Symptoms, Signs, Prognosis, Diagnosis, Treatments, Progression, Care and
$13.97 
Our Recommendation Antique Cars to Color : Coloring Book for Dementia Patients
$7.99
Our Recommendation Treasures in the Darkness: Extending the Early Stage of Lewy Body Dementia, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's Disease Treasures in the Darkness: Extending the Early Stage of Lewy Body Dementia, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's Disease
$19.20
Recommended Products
Our Recommendation Dementia With Dignity: Living Well with Alzheimer's or Dementia Using the DAWN Method® Dementia With Dignity: Living Well with Alzheimer's or Dementia Using the DAWN Method®
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Our Recommendation A Caregiver's Guide to Lewy Body Dementia A Caregiver's Guide to Lewy Body Dementia
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Our Recommendation The 36-Hour Day: A Family Guide to Caring for People Who Have Alzheimer Disease, Other Dementias, and Memory Loss (A Johns Hopkins Press Health Book) The 36-Hour Day: A Family Guide to Caring for People Who Have Alzheimer Disease, Other Dementias, and Memory Loss (A Johns Hopkins Press Health Book)
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Our Recommendation Dementia with Lewy Bodies and Parkinson's Disease Dementia: Patient, Family, and Clinician Working Together for Better Outcomes Dementia with Lewy Bodies and Parkinson's Disease Dementia: Patient, Family, and Clinician Working Together for Better Outcomes
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Our Recommendation Antique Cars to Color : Coloring Book for Dementia Patients
$7.99
Our Recommendation Living with Lewy Body Dementia: One Caregiver's Personal, In-Depth Experience Living with Lewy Body Dementia: One Caregiver's Personal, In-Depth Experience
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Our Recommendation Sundown Dementia, Vascular Dementia and Lewy Body Dementia Explained. Stages, Symptoms, Signs, Prognosis, Diagnosis, Treatments, Progression, Care and Sundown Dementia, Vascular Dementia and Lewy Body Dementia Explained. Stages, Symptoms, Signs, Prognosis, Diagnosis, Treatments, Progression, Care and
$13.97
Our Recommendation Lewy Body Dementia (DLB) and Sundowner’s Syndrome: Learning Thyself, Book 6 Lewy Body Dementia (DLB) and Sundowner’s Syndrome: Learning Thyself, Book 6
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Our Recommendation Activities for the Family Caregiver: Lewy Body Dementia: How to Engage, Engage to Live Activities for the Family Caregiver: Lewy Body Dementia: How to Engage, Engage to Live
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Our Recommendation A Caregiver's Guide to Lewy Body Dementia A Caregiver's Guide to Lewy Body Dementia
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Our Recommendation Treasures in the Darkness: Extending the Early Stage of Lewy Body Dementia, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's Disease Treasures in the Darkness: Extending the Early Stage of Lewy Body Dementia, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's Disease
$19.20
Our Recommendation Dementia: The Macrobiotic Approach: Preventing Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Lewy Body Dementia with Diet and Lifestyle Dementia: The Macrobiotic Approach: Preventing Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Lewy Body Dementia with Diet and Lifestyle
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Our Recommendation Lewy Body Dementia: Information for Patients, Families, and Professionals Lewy Body Dementia: Information for Patients, Families, and Professionals
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Our Recommendation DEMENTIA WITH LEWY BODIES: Guide for Doctors, Nurses, Patients, Families, & Caregivers (2020 Dementia Overview) DEMENTIA WITH LEWY BODIES: Guide for Doctors, Nurses, Patients, Families, & Caregivers (2020 Dementia Overview)
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