Lewy body dementia – causes, side effects and treatments at NaturalPedia.com

Monday, May 07, 2018 by Michelle Simmons

Lewy body dementia, also known as dementia with Lewy bodies, is the second most common type of dementia following Alzheimer’s disease. This disease causes a progressive decline in mental abilities. The cause of Lewy body dementia are Lewy bodies, which are protein deposits that develop in nerve cells in the brain regions involved in thinking, memory, and movement. People who are at an increased risk of Lewy body dementia are those who are older than 60, male, and have a family member with Lewy body dementia or Parkinson’s disease.

Known side effects of Lewy body dementia

The known side effects of Lewy body dementia may include problems with understanding, thinking, memory, and judgment; periods of fluctuating alertness alternating with periods of confusion or sleepiness; slow movement, stiff limbs, and tremors; hallucinations; disturbed sleep, often with violent movements and shouting; and fainting spells, unsteadiness, and falls.

Lewy body dementia may also cause behavioral and mood changes, including depression, apathy, anxiety, agitation, delusions, and paranoia. Other side effects of the disease include frequent changes in body temperature, problems with blood pressure, dizziness, fainting, frequent falls, sensitivity to heat and cold, sexual dysfunction, urinary incontinence, constipation, and a poor sense of smell.

Since Lewy body dementia is a progressive disorder, it will get worse over time. It can potentially lead to other complications, such as aggressive behavior, increasingly severe tremors and balance problems, high risk of injury from falls due to confusion or balance problems, depression, and severe dementia.

Body systems harmed by Lewy body dementia

The body system harmed by Lewy body dementia is the nervous system.

List of foods or nutrients that prevent Lewy body dementia

The foods that prevent dementia include the following:

Beans
Blueberries
Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts
Fish
Low-fat dairy, such as skim milk, yogurt, and cheese
Nuts
Olive oil
Raw leafy green vegetables, such as spinach, kale, and romaine
Whole grains, such as oats, brown rice, and wholegrain wheat

Treatments, management plans for Lewy body dementia

Treatment options for Lewy body dementia include therapeutic treatments, such as music therapy, and other recreational therapies, including pet therapy and cognitive fitness strategies. Aromatherapy and herbal supplementation are also some treatment options. For example, lavender and lemon balm can help calm and relax the patient and support better cognitive performance.

A comprehensive treatment plan for Lewy body dementia may involve medications, physical and other types of therapy, and counseling. In addition, changes to make the home safer, equipment to make everyday tasks easier, and social support are essential as well.

Where to learn more

Summary

Lewy body dementia, also known as dementia with Lewy bodies, is a progressive disease that causes decline in mental abilities.

Lewy body dementia causes problems with understanding, thinking, memory, and judgment; periods of fluctuating alertness alternating with periods of confusion or sleepiness; slow movement, stiff limbs, and tremors; hallucinations; disturbed sleep, often with violent movements and shouting; and fainting spells, unsteadiness, and falls.

Lewy body dementia can be prevented by eating beans, blueberries, cruciferous vegetables, fish, low-fat dairy, nuts, olive oil, raw leafy greens, and whole grains.

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