Understanding Lewy Body Dementia and the Care That’s Needed
Lewy Body Dementia occurs when a certain type of protein build up in the brain. Like Alzheimer’s, Lewy body is a progressive disease for which there is no cure. Per the National Institute on Aging, most people survive for just under a decade following their diagnosis.
Elder Care in Manassas VA: Lewy Body Dementia
Key Symptoms and Patient Difficulties
The main symptoms and issues caused by Lewy body dementia are:
- Aggression
- Bladder and bowel problems like incontinence and constipation
- Depression
- Difficulty perceiving depth, direction, and orientation
- A difficulty with movements due to stiffness in limbs
- Hallucinations
- Inability to regulate body temperature and/or blood pressure
- Increased risk of falls
- Memory loss
- Mood swings
- Problems sleeping
Not every patient experiences all of the symptoms. Abilities will worsen over time. Lewy body is rarely diagnosed before the age of 50. Your parent may be okay alone at first, but as the disease progresses, caregivers become necessary to help with activities of daily living.
Things Your Parent Will Need
-Difficulty walking is one of the common symptoms. Your parent may become unsteady and fall while trying to get from the bed to the bathroom or in and out of the bathtub or shower. You or a caregiver need to be on hand for these transfers to help prevent a fall.
-In the more advanced stages, loss of bowel and bladder control can happen. Your parent may need to start wearing adult diapers. Diaper changes and a quick sponge bath to prevent infection will be needed every day. Assistance with bathing and grooming will both be necessary. It can be awkward for an adult child to offer that to a parent, and it can also be awkward for your mom or dad. It’s worth discussing to get their feelings on the subject.
-Your parent won’t be able to drive. You’ll need to drive your mom or dad to the store, appointments, friend’s houses, adult day programs, and senior centers. Balancing your work schedule with your parent’s transportation may require the help of senior transportation services.
-Companionship is essential to someone with Lewy Body. Depression and mood changes may cause your parent to want to withdraw and become isolated. Don’t let that happen. Spend time with your parent when you can. Hire caregivers to fill in gaps where you, family friends, and other family members have other obligations.
Discuss the range of services available to your parent. Call a home care agency and ask about caregivers today.
If you or a loved-one are considering Elder Care in Manassas, VA, please contact the caring staff at Quality Health Services LLC. Call today 703-910-7081.
Sources:
Nia.nih.gov
In the course of his career he has obtained different instructor certifications and trains people on how to save lives using American Heart Association guidelines for Basic Life support, First Aide and Advance Cardiac Life Support. He has been an advocate for caregiver training and have obtained Train-the-Trainer certifications which have enabled him to train caregivers to help seniors, along with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, function well at home and in their communities.
Ivo is grounded in the belief that people do better in their familiar environment. He started Quality Health Services, LLC in 2010 to provide the highest quality of “In-Home” care with compassion and diligence. Also, by promoting and supporting every client’s optimum level of independence, quality of life and well-being while preserving their dignity.
"Grounded in the knowledge that people are happiest at home, we have made it our priority to help our patients remain and thrive in their familiar environment – HOME. "