Tips from MayoClinic.com: Devise a Plan to Cope with Lewy Body Dementia

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Tips from MayoClinic.com: Devise a Plan to Cope with Lewy Body

Dementia

September 26, 2008

Lewy body dementia is a progressive brain disease and the second

leading cause of degenerative dementia in the elderly. Dementia with

Lewy bodies (DLB), which is the clinical name, accounts for up to 20

percent of all dementia cases, or 800,000 patients in the United

States.

Rochester, MN (PRWEB) September 26, 2008 -- Lewy body dementia is a

progressive brain disease and the second leading cause of

degenerative dementia in the elderly. Dementia with Lewy bodies

(DLB), which is the clinical name, accounts for up to 20 percent of

all dementia cases, or 800,000 patients in the United States.

Lewy body dementia shares characteristics with Alzheimer's and

Parkinson's diseases. Like Alzheimer's, it causes confusion. Also

present may be the distinctive physical signs typical of Parkinson's -

- rigid muscles, slowed movement and tremors.

MayoClinic.com informs caregivers how to develop a plan to cope with

Lewy body dementia. Caring for a person with this condition can be

all-absorbing. MayoClinic.com suggests that a care plan should

include these steps:

Use memory aids. They may help someone with the condition to remain

independent.

Provide structure. A serene, stable home environment can reduce

behavior problems.

Monitor wandering. Wandering off is a common problem among those who

have the condition. A pocket card with simple instructions, such

as " Call home " (with a phone number below), may help.

Establish a nighttime ritual. Behavior is often worse at night. Try

to establish calming rituals for bedtime, away from the noise of

television, meal cleanup and active family members.

Enhance communication. Speak slowly, in simple sentences, and don't

rush the response.

Create a safe environment. Make the home familiar and safe. Keep

furniture in the same place to avoid clutter and help prevent falls.

Encourage exercise. Exercise has many benefits. A health care

provider should advise on what types of exercise are most appropriate

in an individual situation.

For more information about coping with Lewy body dementia, visit

MayoClinic.com.

About MayoClinic.com

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