What are the symptoms of dementia with Lewy bodies?
Dementia with Lewy bodies can cause common dementia symptoms, including problems with memory and thinking skills.
However, there are some more specific symptoms associated with the disease. Some of these symptoms are also seen in PDD.
These symptoms include:
- Changes in alertness and attention, and periods of confusion, that may be unpredictable and change from hour-to-hour or day-to-day.
- Movement problems – Parkinson’s-type symptoms such as slower movements, stiffness in the arms and legs, and shaking or trembling.
- Unsteadiness and falls.
- Visual hallucinations – Seeing things that are not really there, e.g. people or animals. These often happen repeatedly and are realistic and well-formed.
- Sleep disturbances – Vivid dreams, shouting out or moving while sleeping which can disrupt sleep, and may cause injury.
- Sense of smell – Problems detecting smells.
DLB and PDD are progressive conditions which means symptoms get worse over time. As the disease progresses, people will need more help eating, moving, dressing and using the toilet.
The diseases can progress slowly over several years, but the speed of change and type of symptoms can vary from person to person.
Dr Behzad Basit is an experienced Psychiatrist who helps patients with living with dementia. With his medical career starting in 1988, Dr Basit been described by patients and colleagues as very approachable and can help patients experiencing problems with memory and possible Dementia. His background in general practice, psychiatry and psychotherapy enables him to take a holistic approach in the assessment and management of patients.
We invite you to learn more about Dementia here.
To book a consultation with Dr Behzad Basit, please complete our contact form here.
Source: Alzheimers Research UK
