Description A disorder that cau...
Description
A disorder that causes dementia. Dementia is a loss of normal brain function that affects daily activities. Lewy Body dementia is the second most common cause of dementia second only to Alzheimer's disease. This disorder has cognitive deficiencies similar to those in Alzheimer's and movement problems similar to those Parkinson's disease. This can make confirming the diagnosis difficult early in the patient's course. Some patients develop the memory problems first while others suffer the movement symptoms first. Most patients also demonstrate hallucinations, difficulties sleeping and troubles with behavior. The disease name originates from the characteristic microscopic Lewy bodies found in the brain at autopsy.
Symptoms
Seeing colors, shapes, people and animals that do not exist. Memory problems, confusion, short attention span, shuffling gait, rigid muscles, tremors, delusions, problems sleeping, falling asleep during the day, and disorganized speech.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be done. The diagnosis is made by evaluating the patient's symptoms. The Lewy bodies found at autopsy cannot be seen with a CT scan or MRI although these tests are frequently performed to rule out other causes of the symptoms.
Tests:
CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Neurology, Nuclear Medicine, Geriatric Medicine
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be done. The diagnosis is made by evaluating the patient's symptoms. The Lewy bodies found at autopsy cannot be seen with a CT scan or MRI although these tests are frequently performed to rule out other causes of the symptoms.
Tests:
CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Neurology, Nuclear Medicine, Geriatric Medicine
Treatment
There is no cure for this disease. Medicines called cholinesterase inhibitors and a medicine called memantine may provide some improvement in memory and movement problems, and even reduce the confusion and hallucinations. Changing a patient's environment to reduce the frequency and effects of the symptoms is important. Environmental changes include reducing clutter and distractions, and simplifying tasks of the patient. One third to one half of patients treated with antipsychotic medications will have serious and sometimes irreversible side effects.