Dementia: Expert discusses the signs and symptoms
There are over 200 subtypes of dementia but the third most common (behind Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia) is thought to be Lewy body dementia (LBD). It is associated with abnormal deposits in the brain. These deposits, called Lewy bodies, affect chemicals in the brain, which in turn can lead to problems with thinking, movement, behaviour, and mood.
What may come as a surprise is that the symptoms can show in places not readily associated with the brain.
As the Mayo Clinic explains, LBD can cause bowel issues such as constipation.
This is because LBD can lead to poor regulation of body functions (autonomic nervous system).
“The digestive process is regulated by a part of the nervous system that is often affected by Lewy body dementia,” explains the Mayo Clinic.
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ther signs to watch out for include:
- Visual hallucinations. Hallucinations may be one of the first symptoms, and they often recur
- Movement disorders
- Cognitive problems
- Sleep difficulties
- Fluctuating attention
- Depression
- Apathy.
How to respond
“See a GP if you think you have early symptoms of dementia, especially if you’re over 65 years of age,” advises the NHS.
If you’re worried about someone else, the healthy body advises encouraging them to make an appointment with a GP and perhaps suggest that you go with them.
“The GP can do some simple checks to try to find the cause of your symptoms and they can refer you to a memory clinic or another specialist for further tests if needed,” it adds.
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Am I at risk?
It’s not clear why the abnormal Lewy bodies develop and how exactly they damage the brain.
Research has uncovered a number of modifiable risk factors associated with LBD, however.
Alzheimer’s Research UK explains: “We know that conditions like high blood pressure and high cholesterol are risk factors for other causes of dementia such as Alzheimer’s disease.
“There is some evidence to suggest this may also be true for DLB. If you have concerns, you can speak to your doctor about managing these conditions.”
Recent studies have found several genes linked to a higher risk of LBD, including a known risk gene for Alzheimer’s.
Several gene variants have recently been linked to a higher risk of LBD.
The APOE e4 variant is thought to be the strongest genetic risk factor for LBD, as it is for Alzheimer’s disease.
Variants in two other genes, glucocerebrosidase (GBA) and alpha-synuclein (SNCA), also affect the risk of a person developing LBD.
“While these discoveries help us to understand the biology of DLB, having one of these risk genes does not mean you will definitely develop the disease,” notes Alzheimer’s Research UK.
There is no test available on the NHS for these genes.
There are treatments that can help control some of the symptoms, possibly for several years, however.
According to the NHS, treatments include:
Treatments include:
- Medicines to reduce hallucinations, confusion, drowsiness, movement problems and disturbed sleep
- therapies such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy for Problems with movement, everyday tasks, and communication
- Psychological therapies, such as cognitive stimulation (activities and exercises designed to improve memory, problem solving skills and language ability)
- Dementia activities, such as memory cafes (drop-in sessions for people with memory problems and their carers to get support and advice).
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