Many families rely on residential memory care communities for their loved ones’ care after an LBD diagnosis. These communities provide safe, nurturing environments with specialized assistance. At Autumn View Gardens, we cater to those living with LBD and other forms of dementia through evidence-based recreational programming, enhanced security features and tailored personal care plans.
It’s important to understand the signs and symptoms of LBD and get prompt help from a multidisciplinary medical team when necessary. Early detection and interventions can improve the individual’s quality of life and assist with managing symptoms.
A complex neurological disorder, LBD causes cognitive and movement impairments. The biggest risk factors for developing this condition are age and the presence of certain health conditions.
Lewy body dementia is a brain disorder named after Dr. Friedrich Lewy, the German neurologist who discovered the condition. It gets its name from the tiny clumps of protein, called Lewy bodies, that build up in the brain. These proteins affect how the brain works, causing the person to have difficulty thinking and moving. In some cases, the person experiences hallucinations and delusions.
Like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, LBD is classified as a type of dementia. However, while Alzheimer’s starts with cognitive decline and Parkinson’s starts with motor issues, LBD typically brings both cognitive and motor symptoms. Additionally, it can cause hallucinations, which occur somewhat infrequently and later with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Researchers aren’t entirely sure what causes LBD, but they know that it involves a buildup of Lewy bodies in the brain. This buildup keeps the brain cells from communicating as they should.
Age ranks as the biggest risk factor for LBD, with those aged 60 and over making up the majority of those diagnosed. The disease isn’t considered hereditary, but having a family member with this diagnosis increases an individual's risk. They’re also more likely to develop LBD if they have certain health conditions such as Parkinson’s.
LBD can cause a wide variety of symptoms, affecting the person’s cognitive abilities, motor skills, sleep and emotions. Some of the most common symptoms doctors watch for include:
Generally, a neurologist diagnoses LBD based on the symptoms the person is experiencing, their family history and imaging tests. During the initial assessment, the neurologist usually asks for a medical history, a timeline of the cognitive and motor symptoms and any family history of neurological conditions. They may test the individual’s reflexes and coordination, and they may look for abnormalities in eye movements.
Individuals often undergo certain tests, such as CT or MRI scans, which can help their medical team find abnormalities in the brain. Blood tests and cerebrospinal fluid analysis can rule out other conditions, and sleep studies can identify disorders that often accompany LBD.
After getting diagnosed with LBD, individuals see their medical team regularly. This lets their doctors monitor the progression of the disease and adjust the treatment plan as needed. At Autumn View Gardens, we help residents attend regular appointments by scheduling follow-up visits and providing scheduled transportation services. We also have a trained team that conducts regular health assessments.
LBD is a progressive disease, meaning it gets worse as time goes on. Currently, there’s no cure, and there aren't any treatments or therapies that have been proven to slow its progression.By opting for residential memory care, families can focus on enjoying quality time with their loved ones without worrying about safety, juggling medical appointments, keeping up with medications and tracking day-to-day activities.
At Autumn View Gardens, our approach to memory care addresses the physical and cognitive needs of those living with LBD. We provide 24-hour monitoring and have licensed nurses on staff who oversee care and provide routine wellness checks. Our Health Services Director works with the residents and their families to develop individualized care plans, which they update regularly as LBD progresses.
Residents at Autumn View Gardens live in a stimulating environment with secured indoor and outdoor common areas, including gardens, a communal dining room and a library. Pet and sensory therapies encourage cognitive engagement, while age-friendly fitness classes help residents preserve mobility and balance for as long as possible.
LBD is a serious condition that affects how the individual thinks, moves and is able to care for themselves. While this disease doesn’t have a cure, the right living environment can promote a high quality of life.
Autumn View Gardens offers a welcoming environment for seniors with this and other forms of dementia. With tailored programming, 24-hour supervision and innovative therapies, we provide industry-leading care in Creve Coeur. Contact our team today to learn more about our memory care program.
