Lewy body is a condition that impacts millions of people each year, and it’s caused by the abnormal buildup of proteins in the brain. These proteins are known as Lewy bodies, and they affect cognition, movement, and mental health. Continue reading to learn about Lewy body dementia, including what causes the condition and how it’s treated.
Age
Most cases of Lewy body dementia involve seniors over the age of 65. Adults under 55 are known to develop this condition, but they do so at lower rates. There’s nothing that can be done to stop the aging process. Still, there are healthy changes elderly people can make to avoid cognitive decline, diminished bone health, and other age-related issues that increase the odds of Lewy body proteins building up in the brain. By maintaining a healthy lifestyle, your senior loved one could preserve his or her health and prevent conditions such as Parkinson’s, which also raises the risk of Lewy body dementia.
A highly trained caregiver with experience in caring for seniors with dementia can be a fantastic resource for family members. Families looking for top-rated homecare providers can reach out to Senior Stride Home Care. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones.
Genetics
Even with a healthy diet, an excellent exercise regimen, and an absence of bad habits such as drinking or smoking, older adults could still develop Lewy body dementia due to their family histories. If your loved one has any of the associated genes, especially the APOE gene, the chromosome variations could cause various neurological conditions, including dementia.
You can have your loved one tested to determine if he or she has inherited the genes associated with Lewy body dementia. Testing positive for the genes doesn’t guarantee your parent will develop the condition, but it does increase the odds.
Other health issues, when combined with genetics, can lead to the development of this disorder. For example, if your parent has the genes along with heart disease, the odds of being diagnosed with Lewy body dementia increase significantly.
Symptoms
The most common cognitive symptoms related to this disorder are unpredictable changes in attention span, difficulty solving problems, and confusion. It’s common for seniors with Lewy body dementia to have hallucinations. They’ll see people who don’t exist or smell and hear things that aren’t there.
If you notice your loved one displaying any of these warning signs, take him or her to the doctor immediately. After receiving a diagnosis, your loved one can begin the treatment process to reduce many of these symptoms and enhance his or her wellbeing.
For dementia care Oshkosh families can count on, reach out to Senior Stride Home Care. Our compassionate caregivers use revolutionary memory care programs to help seniors delay the progression of dementia, and they can also assist with a wide variety of important everyday tasks, including bathing, grooming, exercise, and cooking.
Treatment
Although Lewy body dementia cannot be cured, there are steps seniors can take to slow the progress of the condition. Your loved one’s physician may prescribe medications or various therapies. Your family should make changes to the home to simplify daily tasks and make it easier for your loved one to entertain and socialize with others.
Another option is to hire a caregiver who specializes in this type of dementia care. The professional caregiver can offer advice that enhances your loved one’s quality of life.
If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Senior Stride Home Care, a leading provider of in-home care Oshkosh, WI, families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s. If your loved one needs assistance with the challenges of aging, reach out to one of our knowledgeable, compassionate Care Managers today at 920-717-1767.