Many MyParkinsonsTeam members are navigating this same difficult journey, and it's clear how much love and dedication goes into caring for a partner through this. You are not alone in this.
Lewy body dementia (LBD) in Parkinson's happens when proteins called Lewy bodies spread from the movement-control areas of the brain Show Full Answer
Many MyParkinsonsTeam members are navigating this same difficult journey, and it's clear how much love and dedication goes into caring for a partner through this. You are not alone in this.
Lewy body dementia (LBD) in Parkinson's happens when proteins called Lewy bodies spread from the movement-control areas of the brain to areas that manage memory, reasoning, and thinking. This can cause symptoms that may feel like they're changing day to day, which can be exhausting and heartbreaking to witness. Some common symptoms to be aware of include:
- Memory problems — short-term memory loss, forgetting recent conversations or events
- Hallucinations — seeing or hearing things that aren't there
- Sleep disruptions — being awake at night, drowsy during the day
- Mood changes — confusion, anxiety, paranoia, or anger
- Speech difficulties — muffled speech or trouble finding words A few things that may help manage day-to-day life include:
- Physical exercise and physical therapy to support movement and mood
- Cognitive behavioral therapy to help with emotional and behavioral symptoms
- Music therapy which some find calming and grounding
- Keeping the environment bright and consistent — one MyParkinsonsTeam member shared that keeping the house bright helped on difficult days
It's also really important to speak with the neurologist about medications, as people with LBD can be very sensitive to certain medications, particularly antipsychotics, which can cause serious side effects. Reaching out for support — as you're doing now — is one of the most important things a caregiver can do. Be kind to yourself through this too. 💙
September 23
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