Understanding the 7 Stages of Lewy Body Dementia

Dementia is synonymous with memory loss. There are more than 200 forms of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, Vascular dementia, and Frontotemporal dementia, and all have a different cause but the same outcome: a loss in cognitive and motor ability. 7 stages of Lewy body dementia are caused due to an accumulation of protein clumps that are found scattered and deposited between the nerves in the brain. There is significant disruption in the stimulation of neurotransmitters, with a loss of signals going to and from the brain.

Lewy body dementia is a progressive degenerative condition that ultimately results in death after prolonged suffering and being bedridden. LBD affects more than 1 million people in the US and is the second most common type of dementia after Alzheimer's. Furthermore, this blog will take you through the signs & symptoms that occur in the 7 stages of Lewy body dementia.

What is Lewy Body Dementia?

• Lewy body dementia is a progressive degenerative disorder that is characterized by loss of cognitive thinking, loss of memory, and loss of motor skills.
• It is caused due to small protein deposits found scattered among the nerves in the brain that disrupt the incoming and outgoing neurotransmission.
• The disease typically progresses with age and is diagnosed in elderly patients post the age of 50 years.
• It is a terminal condition; the disease progresses in stages lasting about 2- 20 years.
• Lewy's body dementia does not have medical treatment that can bring back lost memory.
• Treatment involves drugs that provide symptomatic relief, supportive care, and occupational therapy.
• Individuals with Lewy body dementia may experience a fast decline in cognitive function and overall health, emphasizing the challenging nature of this neurodegenerative disorder.

What are Lewy's bodies?

As they age, small clumps of proteins called alpha-synuclein deposit themselves between the nerves and neurons and interfere with the neurotransmitter signals passing through the brain. These protein deposits are typically found in the brain's regions involved in thinking, memory, reasoning, problem-solving, and movement. The name Lewy comes from the German doctor FH Lewy, who first identified these protein deposits. The protein units accumulate degraded or decayed tissues in the brain that clump together and lodge themselves between the neurons. Lewy bodies only occur with age and the condition is caused; Lewy body dementia is a progressive degenerative disease that ends in death.

Also, Read Kalonji Oil Benefits: Nutrition, Side Effects

7 Stages of Lewy Body Dementia

Lewy body dementia occurs slowly. The progression spans a few years, and the signs appear slow and spaced out in the beginning, but the same signs are more frequent in the later stages. Understanding the 7 stages of LBD can help individuals and their families better understand the progression of the disease and what to expect as it advances.

Stage 1: No cognitive decline

In stage one of the disease, there are no visible signs or decline in cognitive thinking. This stage is often missed because we do not expect the occurrence of such a condition. This phase may even be in the early 40s or 50s of a person's life.

Stage 2: Mild cognitive decline

Stage 2 is similar to the first, with very dispersed signs that could easily be overlooked as normal signs of aging. Unfortunately, these signs go unnoticed, but we only understand the severity once it is too late. The symptoms observed are:

• Forgetting an occasion
• Slight trouble remembering words or phrases
• Normal functioning of daily activities

Stage 3: Noticeable cognitive decline

This is the stage with noticeable dementia. Patients appear significantly confused and scared. They understand there is a decline in their overall being. Memory loss is evident. Symptoms that appear are:

• Trouble managing simple tasks
• Cannot count or manage money
• Frequent moments of memory loss
• Cannot pay attention
• Stars blankly

Stage 4: Mild dementia

Despite memory loss, distinct moments in life can be recalled. The patient recalls close family and friends. This stage can last a long time with the disease progressing gradually. Medicines taken at this stage can help with mental changes. Motor activity is affected by slowed or repetitive moments.

• Slowed hand gestures, slowed walking
• Forget where objects are kept at home
• A significant loss in memory

Stage 5: Moderate - Severe dementia

Stage 5 is advanced in Lewy body dementia. The patient will require assistance with common tasks such as urinating. There is no complete loss of movement, but the movement is limited and restricted. Signs that appear at this stage include:

• No active movements
• Mood changes; the patient appears scared, agitated, frustrated
• Bladder issues
• Muscles become rigid
• Trouble eating, trouble sleeping
• Repeated thoughts and words

Also, Read Kratom Capsules Uses, Dosage, Effectiveness, and side effects

Stage 6: Severe mental decline

Faded memories, blank stares, and almost as if you're dealing with a newborn baby. 24-hour care is needed. The patient cannot be left alone as the patient will not be able to eat, sit, stand, walk or do practically anything. Most patients end up being bedridden at this stage. Most are put in wheelchairs. Patients at this stage may even require a drip for regular nutrition.

• Unusual eating habits
• Cannot talk or communicate
• Loss of bladder control
• Lack of awareness
• Stiff muscles must be massaged for supportive care
• Strong mood swings

Stage 7: Very Severe mental decline/ Final stage

It is a painful stage for the patient and the family members. The patient appears in a vegetative state. Supportive care is all that is given to the patient at this stage. Symptoms that are clear signs that the disease has advanced to its terminal stage are:

• Bedridden
• Complete loss of memory
• Cannot swallow or eat food
• Cannot turn the neck or move limbs
• Loss of bladder/ bowel control
• Completely dependent on another person

A better understanding of The 7 stages of Lewy Body Dementia helps a patient with better treatment and care and the shifts in physical and cognitive abilities that occur as it progresses over time.

Also Read: Alzheimer vs Dementia

Signs to look out for

We, humans, tend to avoid looking for signs, especially when we know there might be something grave underlying the symptoms. While nobody wants their loved ones to suffer from such a traumatizing condition, understanding the early signs and reporting them to the doctor may give the doctor more time to react to try and slow down the rate of disease progression. Signs that you need to look out for include the following:

• Movement

Slowed rates of writing, walking slowly, and reduced facial expressions can be easily overlooked. However, these symptoms are crucial. The muscle becomes stiff, frozen stance while walking, loss of coordination, and difficulty swallowing are signs that appear in the third or fourth stage.

• Memory

you will observe a lack of alertness or sharpness, a loss in reflex action. Losing the ability to think can be frustrating in the early stages and can lead to confusion. It starts once every three weeks, but it is a serious sign and must be reported early.

• Mood

There is a rapid decline in the behavioral patterns observed. Lack of interest, prolonged hours of sitting, and depression may set in. Conversely, patients may appear agitated, hyper, and restless. Some patients develop delusions and paranoia and may suffer from hallucinations.

• Excessive Sleeping

Either long hours of sleep during the day, or every day, or insomnia at night. REM sleep is disturbed.

• Speech

Speech may appear slurred, repetitive words and phrases, and inability to talk loudly.

• Dysautonomia

These are conditions that occur involuntarily, and there is no control over them. Changes in body temperature, high fever without an infection, restless leg syndrome, fluctuating blood pressure, loss of sense of smell, and frequent falls without tripping are signs to look for.

Read Also: Lower Blood Pressure Symptoms And Causes: When to See a Doctor

Conclusion

The 7 stages of Lewy Body Dementia are a way to describe the progression of the disease, but they are not set in stone. Every individual's experience with LBD is unique and can vary greatly. It is important to remember that LBD is a progressive and degenerative disease, and as it advances, it can cause a decline in physical and cognitive function. Lewy body dementia does not have a definite treatment. Medication currently available only provides symptomatic relief. Lewy body dementia will eventually lead to death. The only way to prolong the patient's life is by occupational therapy and comforting the patient. Please do not leave your elderly relatives alone, should they be unfortunate to suffer from dementia. Treat them with the love and support they ought to get in the dying years of their life.

Also, Read Masturbation Effects on Kidneys: 4 Benefits and Myths