Top Tips to Manage Lewy Body Dementia Symptoms

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Whitsyms In-Home Care - Sarasota

For more information about the author, click to view their website: Whitsyms In Home Care

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Aug 03, 2023

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Florida - Sarasota, Bradenton & Charlotte Counties , Florida - Southwest

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Lewy body dementia is the second most common form of degenerative dementia, affecting approximately 1.4 million people across the U.S. While the disease affects millions, few people have a good understanding of the disease, its symptoms, or how to manage them. American, Advocate and Whitsyms In-Home Care share information about Lewy body dementia symptoms to help family caregivers develop strategies to better manage and even reduce symptoms and improve the care experience.

What Is Lewy Body Dementia?

Lewy body dementia is a disease in which abnormal deposits of a protein called alpha-synuclein, also known as Lewy bodies, attach to the brain. The cause of Lewy body dementia is as yet unknown; however, research shows that a buildup of Lewy bodies is associated with the loss of specific neurons in the brain. One of these neurons is vital for memory and learning, and the other plays an essential role in movement, cognition, behavior, mood, and sleep.

The loss of these neurons produces a range of behavioral symptoms that can be challenging to manage, including:

    Cognitive changes

  • Visual hallucinations, which occur in up to 80% of people with Lewy body dementia
  • Changes in concentration, attention, and wakefulness that are often unpredictable
  • Disorganized or illogical thoughts
  • Poor judgment, confusion about time and place, and difficulty with language and numbers
  • Movement issues

  • Weak voice
  • Rigid or stiff muscles
  • Tremor or shaking when resting
  • Shuffling gait and slowed movement
  • Balance issues and higher tendency to fall
  • Stooped posture
  • Decline in coordination
  • Smaller handwriting than was usual for the person
  • Lack of facial expressions
  • Trouble swallowing
  • Problems sleeping

  • REM sleep behavior disorder
  • Feeling very tired during the day
  • Insomnia
  • Restless leg syndrome
  • Behavioral issues

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Lack of interest in daily activities or social interaction
  • Agitation and irritability
  • Paranoia and delusions

How to Manage Lewy Body Dementia Symptoms

Medications, such as antipsychotic drugs, can be dangerous for people with Lewy body dementia and may make symptoms worse. Finding non-drug related methods to help manage symptoms is an ideal first step before trying medication.

  1. Accept behaviors that do not cause harm. Some Lewy body dementia symptoms, like paranoia and agitation, can lead to aggression or physical acting out. However, for those behaviors that are milder and do not cause the person or others pain or potential for physical harm, it can be best to tolerate the symptoms and focus more on distraction and reassurance.
  2. Determine if there is a physical cause for the behavior. Physical pain or discomfort can exacerbate symptoms, so check to see if something else, such as arthritis pain, injury, urinary tract infection, or other ailment may be causing the symptoms. Treating physical pain can often reduce negative behavioral issues.
  3. Modify the environment. Loud noises and clutter can trigger hallucinations and delusions common with Lewy body dementia, so ensure that the person’s environment is clean and as calm and quiet as possible to reduce symptoms.
  4. Create daily routines. A daily routine can help people with dementia feel safe and secure and minimize agitation. Keep to a regular schedule and break down daily tasks to make them easier to accomplish and reduce frustration.
  5. Seek therapy for movement and swallowing issues. Exercise and physical therapy can greatly help with many movement issues related to Lewy body dementia. For swallowing problems, speech therapy can teach seniors techniques that can make swallowing easier and safer.

Get Help from Florida Home Care Professionals

Caring for a loved one with Lewy body dementia can be challenging. Partnering with a referred home care provider can help. At American, Advocate, and Whitsyms In-Home Care, we offer professional Alzheimer’s and dementia care services through referred care providers that help older adults live safer, happier lives at home. Additionally, in-home respite care services allow busy family caregivers the time they need to take care of work, family, and themselves.

Contact our team today to find out more about how an experienced referred care provider can help the older adults in your life. Reach out to the office nearest you by clicking the links below to get started:

  • American In-Home Care – Serving North, Central, and West Coast of Florida
  • Advocate In-Home Care – Serving Southeast and Southwest Florida
  • Whitsyms In-Home Care – Serving Southeast and Southwest Florida

State of Florida License and Registration Numbers: 30211518, 30211651, 30211295, 30211390, 30210978, 30211293, 30211382, 30211504, 30211733, 30211535, 30211531, 30211710, 30211709, 30211045, 5661

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Whitsyms In-Home Care

Non-Medical 677 N. Washington Boulevard, Sarasota, Florida, 34236

Whitsyms In-Home Care, a subsidiary of American In-Home Care, LLC, has been a trusted provider of senior home care services in Sarasota, Florida, since 1996. Operating from their office at 677 N Washington Blvd, Suite 39, Sarasota, FL 34236, they offer a range of personalized services designed to support seniors in maintaining independence and quality of life within the comfort of their own homes.Their comprehensive care offerings include companion care, personal care, Alzheimer's and dementia care, post-operative care, skilled nursing, respite care, and 24-hour live-in care. Services are tailored to meet individual needs and can be scheduled on an hourly, daily, weekly, or live-in basis. Care providers are carefully screened and matched to clients based on preferences and requirements, ensuring a compassionate and professional fit.Whitsyms In-Home Care is committed to delivering high-quality, dependable services with a personal touch. Their dedicated team is available 24/7 to assist families, offering peace of mind through responsive support and flexible care solutions. For more information or to schedule a free in-home consultation, contact their Sarasota office at (941) 364-5810.

Whitsyms In-Home Care

Home Health 677 N. Washington Boulevard, Sarasota, Florida, 34236

Whitsyms In-Home Care, a subsidiary of American In-Home Care, LLC, has been a trusted provider of senior home care services in Sarasota, Florida, since 1996. Operating from their office at 677 N Washington Blvd, Suite 39, Sarasota, FL 34236, they offer a range of personalized services designed to support seniors in maintaining independence and quality of life within the comfort of their own homes.Their comprehensive care offerings include companion care, personal care, Alzheimer's and dementia care, post-operative care, skilled nursing, respite care, and 24-hour live-in care. Services are tailored to meet individual needs and can be scheduled on an hourly, daily, weekly, or live-in basis. Care providers are carefully screened and matched to clients based on preferences and requirements, ensuring a compassionate and professional fit.Whitsyms In-Home Care is committed to delivering high-quality, dependable services with a personal touch. Their dedicated team is available 24/7 to assist families, offering peace of mind through responsive support and flexible care solutions. For more information or to schedule a free in-home consultation, contact their Sarasota office at (941) 364-5810.