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LBD is a type of dementia characterized by abnormal protein deposits, called Lewy bodies, in the brain. Lewy bodies can disrupt the normal functioning of brain cells, leading to problems with memory, movement and behavior.
When Lewy bodies accumulate in different regions of the brain, they interfere with the communication between brain cells, which in turn affects the cells' ability to work properly. This disruption contributes to the symptoms seen in disorders like Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson's disease.
LBD is the third most common cause of dementia after Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia, accounting for approximately 10-15% of all dementia cases. Lewy Body Dementia symptoms typically appear between the ages of 50 and 85, with most diagnoses occurring around age 75.
LBD can be challenging to diagnose and manage, and its symptoms often overlap with those of other dementias, such as Alzheimer's disease. It’s also possible for someone to have Lewy Body Dementia and another form of dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease or vascular dementia, at the same time.
The symptoms of Lewy Body Dementia can vary widely from person to person and may include cognitive, motor and psychiatric disturbances. Common symptoms include:
• Cognitive decline: People with LBD often have trouble focusing, making decisions and understanding where objects are in relation to each other.
• Movement issues: LBD is linked to Parkinson's-like problems, which can cause shaking, muscle stiffness and slow movement.
• Fluctuations in thinking and alertness: Individuals with LBD may have periods of confusion and drowsiness, which can vary throughout the day.
• Visual hallucinations: Up to 80% of individuals with LBD experience recurrent and vivid visual hallucinations.
• Sleeping difficulties: In LBD, a sleep issue called REM sleep behavior disorder often occurs, where people physically act out their dreams. This can be dangerous for the person involved and difficult for loved ones to deal with.
People with LBD are often sensitive to certain medications, particularly antipsychotic drugs. Sometimes, this can take the form of paradoxical reactions, where taking a medicine exacerbates symptoms rather than improving them. Caregivers should monitor any changes in their loved one’s condition after starting a new medication.
It is crucial to consult with a neurologist who has experience in diagnosing and treating Lewy Body Dementia. An accurate diagnosis is essential for appropriate treatment and care planning. A neurologist with expertise in LBD can help differentiate it from other dementias and recommend the most suitable treatment options.
Helping someone with LBD can be tough, but there are several things friends and family can do to make life a little easier for their loved one:
•Set up a daily routine: Having a routine helps bring some stability to their life and can reduce confusion. You could plan regular mealtimes, medication schedules and rest breaks.
• Make their living space safe and comfy: Keep their home tidy and well-lit so they're less likely to trip or have accidents. You could also add grab bars in the bathroom or use night lights in hallways to help them navigate during the night.
• Get them moving: Encourage your loved one to exercise as much as they are able, as it can help improve their movement and overall well-being. You could go for walks together or do gentle, guided exercises like tai chi or chair yoga.
• Keep their mind busy: Engage them in activities that stimulate their brain, like puzzles, reading, or arts and crafts. Brain enrichment programs like those used by Living Well Memory Care can help your loved one’s cognition and well-being.
• Sort out sleep issues: Talk to their health care team about ways to improve sleep quality. This could involve setting a regular bedtime, creating a calming routine before bed, or even adjusting their medications.
• Be there for them emotionally: When they're feeling confused or experiencing hallucinations, offer reassurance and understanding. Encourage open communication and let them know you're there to support them.
Don't be afraid to seek help from healthcare professionals like neurologists, occupational therapists or speech therapists. They can offer guidance on dealing with specific challenges and create personalized strategies for managing LBD symptoms.
There are several organizations and resources available to provide support and information on LBD:
• Lewy Body Dementia Association (LBDA): The LBDA is a national organization dedicated to raising awareness, providing education and supporting research on LBD. They offer various resources, including a comprehensive website, online support groups and educational materials.
• Alzheimer's Association: Although primarily focused on Alzheimer's disease, the Alzheimer's Association also provides resources and support for individuals and families affected by LBD.
• National Institute on Aging (NIA): The NIA is a division of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) that offers in-depth information on LBD, including the latest research findings and resources for caregivers.
• Parkinson's Foundation: This organization focuses on Parkinson's disease but also provides resources and support for those dealing with LBD due to the overlapping symptoms and shared challenges.
Connecting with these organizations and utilizing their resources can help loved ones gain a better understanding of LBD and find valuable support to navigate the challenges that come with caring for someone with this complex condition.
By staying informed and implementing these supportive strategies, you can make a positive impact on your loved one's life as they navigate the challenges of living with Lewy Body Dementia.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Your support as a valued sponsor means more to me and our team at My Care Finders than words can truly express. This open house and ribbon-cutting celebration is such a special milestone not just for our business, but for the community were so honored to serve. And it wouldnt be possible without you. Your belief in what we do helping families navigate senior care with compassion, clarity, and purpose is what fuels us every day. Knowing that we have partners like you standing beside us makes all the difference. Were expecting a wonderful turnout, and we truly believe this will be a joyful, memorable event for everyone involved. Light bites, music, laughter, and connection a true celebration of community. Attached is our event flyer created by Jesse, the owner of My Sanctuary of Wellness. A HUGE shoutout to Jesse for your patience and constantly updating the flyer when needed Thank you Jesse!!!!! Please be sure to bring your own table and chairs. Wed love it if you could help us spread the word by sharing it on Facebook and other social media outlets, along with your friends, family, colleagues, and even your patients. The more, the merrier! Lets make this an unforgettable evening. Additionally, our assistance, Becca will be sending each of you our w-9, along with an invoice for the event. Thank you again for being such an important part of this journey. I cant wait to celebrate with you!With sincere gratitude,Heather Tetrault
BrightStar Care of Venice & Port Charlotte- has won Best of Home Care Leader of Excellence , Provider of Choice and Employer of Choice for 2025 by Home Care Pulse. These are difficult awards. We are very proud of them.We can help your patients whenever they need home care to stay safe at home. No minimums- 1hr up to 24/7 careJoint Commission Gold Seal of Approval Our BrightStar Care location has earned accreditation from the Joint Commission, which validates that we follow their requirements for the highest level of safety and care.Best of Home Care Leader in Experience 2025 Recognizes our location as earning satisfaction levels in the top 5% based on caregiver training, compassion and communication.Best of Home Care Provider of Choice 2025 Indicates high satisfaction levels of our clients regarding our trustworthiness and ability to provide outstanding in-home care.Best of Home Care Employer of Choice 2025 Happy employees deliver better care. This award distinguishes us as best-in-Class for caregiver satisfaction. The Joint Commission Enterprise Champion for Quality Because of the commitment to quality standards from our local offices, were the only national home care brand that consistently earns the Enterprise Champion for Quality award from the Joint Commission. This independent, nonprofit organization accredits the nations best hospitals and major health care systems.
Your chronological age and your biological age dont necessarily match. Around the ages of 44 and 60 the aging process accelerates in what has been dubbed a biomolecular shift, which dramatically impacts health and internal aging. Researchers discovered these two bursts of aging during the human lifespan, singling out the mid-forties and early sixties as key periods. But the greater shift in biological aging happens during your early sixties.However, out of this seemingly bad news is some hope. Now that science has pinpointed when these changes occur, it could help researchers uncover what is driving chronic disease as we age, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis or even strategies for prevention. So exactly what is going on during these periods of rapid biological aging, how do they impact health, and what can you do to be proactive? Lets break it down.Aging Isnt Primarily GradualYou can no longer assume that aging happens gradually. Ever notice that some people seem to age overnight or are really showing their age? While there is obviously gradual decline, more dramatic changes happen quickly and during certain periods of life. It all comes down to the molecules that make up your physical body. These individual molecules are what age, and studies reveal that they undergo greater change at certain ages, making aging non-linear or not so much gradual over time.How Periods of Rapid Biological Aging Impact HealthIn both your mid-forties and early sixties most people experience molecular level changes related to skin and muscle aging, cardiovascular disease, and the metabolizing of caffeine. This is why people tend to start or increase cholesterol or blood pressure medications during these times of life.Researchers also noted differences between the two periods of biological aging. People in their forties had a greater shift in relation to fat and alcohol metabolism, while those in their sixties underwent shifts related to immune regulation, carbohydrate metabolism, and kidney function.These facts seem to correlate with experience as many people in their sixties are less able to fight off sickness and are even more prone to weight gain and kidney trouble or even kidney failure. Cancer rates tend to spike around this time as the immune system is less able to fend off the invasive cancer cells. Cases of heart disease also rise during this time as people struggle more with their weight and rising cholesterol levels.Less expected, however, was the evidence of rapid aging during the mid-forties. But it becomes more understandable as you consider what characterizes the lives of most people during this life stage. Lifestyle makes a difference and life moves at a rapid pace during your forties. Often this is a time of busy family and work schedules, high work stress, divorce, and weight gain. You often have less time for self-care during these frantic years, and all combined, this shifts your body into a period of rapid molecular aging.Combat Biological Aging with Proactive StepsYou obviously cant stop the aging process but its possible to slow it down. The steps to achieve this arent all new or innovative. In fact, it involves putting common knowledge into practice which many people resist, at least until later life. Here are some unsurprising practical tips for slowing biological aging: Avoid weight gainEat more fruits and vegetablesControl diabetes and high blood pressureStay physically activeDont smoke And the way to prevent or avoid diabetes and high blood pressure is to limit sugar, processed carbohydrates, and saturated fats. If youre in your 40s, in addition to the above, its also beneficial to monitor and minimize your cholesterol levels, exercise to build muscle mass, and limit or avoid alcohol. For additional ways to combat aging, read our article, How to Live Longer: 12 Life-Boosting Habits to Start NowThe best rule of thumb is not to wait until your health begins to decline before making these changes. Adjust your lifestyle while youre still healthy, and you will see the biggest payoff. However, its never too late to start living with your health in mind, because changes at any stage will make a positive difference.Key Takeaways About Biological Aging in Your 40s and 60sScience previously thought that the human body aged gradually in linear fashion, but recent studies show that aging on a molecular level occurs rapidly during the mid-forties and early sixties. During your forties, this change is often due to lifestyle changes that can be altered for better outcomes. You can slow the aging process during midlife with regular exercise and a diet rich in produce and low in saturated fat and processed carbohydrates.
American House Senior Living Communities, located at 11400 Longfellow Lane in Bonita Springs, FL, offers fully remodeled senior living in a warm, welcoming environment. Our community provides a wide range of amenities, services, and activities designed to enhance the lives of our residents. We offer assisted living, living well memory care, respite stays, and coordination of hospice care.Our community has been awarded Best Assisted Living in Bonita Springs in 2023 and is conveniently located between Fort Myers and Naples on a 26-acre campus with beautiful, landscaped grounds, ponds, and wildlife. Our apartments range from studios to one- and two-bedroom units, some with pond views, and all residents have access to our spacious common areas.We offer a maintenance-free lifestyle, allowing residents to focus on themselves. Whether you prefer relaxing by the pool, shopping trips, or socializing at our daily happy hour, the choice is yours.Our vibrant community offers activities and friendships, with assistance available when needed. Our services include meals, laundry, medication reminders, physical therapy, and activities of daily living. We also offer a variety of floor plans to suit your needs.Visit us today for a tour of our newly renovated community and see why American House is the right choice for your senior living needs.
American House Senior Living Communities at 14001 Metro Parkway in Fort Myers, FL, offers exceptional senior living in a welcoming environment. Our community is fully remodeled and boasts a wide range of amenities, services, and activities designed to cater to your needs. Enjoy the comfort of our studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments, some of which overlook our beautiful pool. Conveniently located adjacent to Lee Healths Gulf Coast Medical Center, our 26-acre campus provides easy access to medical services. Our vibrant community is filled with activities and friends. For times when you need assistance, our team is here to help with meals, laundry, medication reminders, physical therapy, and more. Explore our floor plans and schedule a visit to see our newly renovated community. Experience senior living at its finest at American House Fort Myers.
American House Senior Living Communities, located at 11400 Longfellow Lane in Bonita Springs, FL, offers fully remodeled senior living in a warm, welcoming environment. Our community provides a wide range of amenities, services, and activities designed to enhance the lives of our residents. We offer assisted living, living well memory care, respite stays, and coordination of hospice care.Our community has been awarded Best Assisted Living in Bonita Springs in 2023 and is conveniently located between Fort Myers and Naples on a 26-acre campus with beautiful, landscaped grounds, ponds, and wildlife. Our apartments range from studios to one- and two-bedroom units, some with pond views, and all residents have access to our spacious common areas.We offer a maintenance-free lifestyle, allowing residents to focus on themselves. Whether you prefer relaxing by the pool, shopping trips, or socializing at our daily happy hour, the choice is yours.Our vibrant community offers activities and friendships, with assistance available when needed. Our services include meals, laundry, medication reminders, physical therapy, and activities of daily living. We also offer a variety of floor plans to suit your needs.Visit us today for a tour of our newly renovated community and see why American House is the right choice for your senior living needs.