There are several types of Dementia, each with its own specific way of diagnosis and treatment. Lewy Body Dementia is one of the most common types of progressive Dementia, in fact, second to Alzheimer’s disease. Here’s what you need to know about it in Ohio.
What is Lewy Dementia?
Lewy Body Dementia is a type of progressive Dementia that affects both cognitive function and motor skills. The disease is caused by the buildup of abnormal structures that contain protein deposits (Lewy bodies) in the brain.
Symptoms include:
- Cognitive problems, such as difficulty with thinking, reasoning, and judgment
- Frequent falls or problems with balance and coordination
- Changes in mood or behavior, including depression, anxiety, or aggression
- Visual hallucinations and delusions
- Sleep disturbances
Errors medical practitioners make when diagnosing or treating Lewy Body Dementia
One of the most common mistakes medical practitioners make when diagnosing or treating Lewy Body Dementia is to assume that it is simply a variant of Alzheimer’s disease. While the two conditions share some symptoms, they are actually quite different. Lewy Body Dementia tends to progress more quickly than Alzheimer’s, and patients typically experience more fluctuations in their cognitive abilities and motor skills. In addition, Lewy Dementia often affects people at a younger age than Alzheimer’s disease.
Further, a medical practitioner can likely underestimate the impact of Lewy Body Dementia on a patient’s quality of life. The disease can be very debilitating, and patients may need help with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and eating.
You can file a medical malpractice claim if your loved one has been misdiagnosed or mistreated for Lewy Body Dementia. If you win your case, you may be awarded compensation for your loved one’s medical expenses, pain and suffering, and more.
Lewy Body Dementia is a deadly condition. There is no cure, and treatment focuses on managing symptoms. And, of course, care starts with proper diagnosis by a doctor in good time.