Dementia is a broad term that affects daily functioning and activities. Among the various types of dementia, Alzheimer’s and Lewy Body are among the most common conditions. They both have many similarities and differences. It is important to understand the difference between the two. This helps caregivers and family members to manage the situation effectively. In this blog by Star Capital, we will discuss the key difference between Lewy Body dementia and Alzheimer’s, so you can ensure your loved ones get appropriate care.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia that leads to the degradation of brain cells. This mainly affects thinking, memory, and behaviour. The symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease begin with memory loss, especially recent memories. The thinking power gradually declines, and the older adult starts to forget names, places, and events. This condition progresses slowly, and over time, it badly affects daily activities, including eating, cooking, dressing, and communication.
If you are searching for “What is Lewy Body Dementia,” it is a progressive condition that is caused by the accumulation of protein deposits known as Lewy bodies. These proteins can damage brain cells, affect memory, movement, and behaviour. After Alzheimer’s disease, this is the second most prevalent condition of dementia. It not only affects memory and thinking, but also sleep patterns, balance, and emotions. This condition showcases symptoms earlier in the disease. It progresses slowly and makes the condition worse over time.
Lewy Body dementia can affect both the body and brain. The Lewy Body dementia symptoms appear early and change more frequently. Common lewy body dementia symptoms include:
Visual Hallucinations
Most people with Lewy Body dementia experience visual hallucinations that are not real. In Alzheimer’s, hallucination may happen, but in the last stages. In LBD, it occurs early.
Movement Problems
Many senior citizens develop symptoms that are similar to Parkinson’s, including slow movement, tremors, stiff muscles, and difficulty walking.
Fluctuating Alertness
In this condition, the alertness changes suddenly. The senior citizen may be alert at one moment and lost and sleepy the next. This creates the feeling of confusion.
Memory & Thinking Problems
Thinking and memory are also affected. The older adult may face difficulty in decision-making, memory loss, and understanding information.
Sleep Problems
Sleep disorders are very common in this LBD. Seniors may act out their dreams while sleeping. This experience can disturb sleep and affect the seniors.
Balance Problems & Falls
This condition makes it difficult for seniors to balance and walk independently. This results in loss of balance and leads to falls and injuries.
Mood & Behavior Changes
Senior adults with Lewy Body dementia may experience anxiety and depression. These Lewy Body dementia symptoms affect quality of life and require professional care.
Star Capital provides professional support for older adults. Our caregivers are trained to handle such situations. We ensure safety and comfort in their daily routine.
Stage 1: No Cognitive Decline
This stage is difficult to detect through scans or check-ups. Although symptoms are not noticeable, Lewy Bodies begin to form in the brain. Your loved one behaves normally, but deep inside the brain, the formation of Lewy Bodies is worsening the condition.
Stage 2: Very Mild Cognitive Decline
In this stage, the loss of memory began. This stage includes a decline in cognitive functioning. The symptoms include mild confusion, memory issues, and sleep disturbance. These symptoms can be overlooked or mistaken for normal aging.
Stage 3: Mild Cognitive Decline
At this stage, the changes become more pronounced. Some of the symptoms include mild hallucinations, trouble in decision-making, and difficulty with completing complex tasks. Seniors require professional support and care.
Stage 4: Moderate Cognitive Decline
Lewy Body dementia is finally diagnosed at this stage. The symptoms are clearly visible. Older adults face difficulty in performing daily tasks. Hallucinations are increased, and they suffer from confusion and balance issues.
Stage 5: Moderate to Severe Decline
At this stage, the senior citizens start forgetting the names of their close ones. Caregiver support becomes essential here. Star Capital offers assisted living facilities for seniors. Our caregivers ensure expert care and medical supervision.
Stage 6: Severe Decline
The senior citizens face difficulty communicating. They require full-time caregiver support as they may not be able to sit or walk alone. The risk of falls increases with the risk of infection and severe confusion.
Stage 7: Very Severe Decline
At the final stage, the ability to move alone is completely gone. Swallowing becomes very difficult. Seniors at this stage become bedridden and need full-time support and care. Star Capital provides support to older adults struggling with the 7 stages of Lewy Body dementia by providing dementia care facilities.
Memory Loss
In Alzheimer’s disease, memory loss is the main symptom, whereas in LBD, attention and alertness issues appear earlier.
Hallucinations
In Alzheimer’s condition, hallucinations occur in later stages, but in LBD, hallucinations are very common in early stages.
Movement Problems
In Alzheimer’s disease, the cognitive decline occurs later, but in LBD, movement issues occur early.
Alertness & Attention
In Alzheimer’s condition, alertness and attention remain stable in the early stages. In LBD, sudden confusion can occur.
Sleep Disorders
Sleep problems occur in later stages of Alzheimer’s as compared to Lewy Body dementia. In LBD, sleep disturbances occur early.
LBD commonly causes balance issues, slow movement, and stiffness, which are less common in Alzheimer’s disease.
LBD can be more challenging as symptoms can change quickly. At Star Capital, we support seniors with personalized care for both conditions.
Yes. With a consistent routine and Star Capital’s senior-friendly care, the confusion and anxiety can be reduced in both conditions.
Yes. Emotional support is very important for seniors. At Star Capital, we provide compassionate care for senior citizens.
Caring for older adults with dementia can be challenging and overwhelming. Safety becomes a concern. Star Capital provides professional dementia care for seniors.
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