Introduction
Lewy body dementia (LBD) is a progressive and debilitating neurodegenerative disorder that can affect individuals of all ages. It is characterized by the presence of abnormal deposits of a protein called alpha-synuclein (a-syn) in parts of the brain. This protein accumulates in the form of Lewy bodies, which can cause changes in behavior, thinking, and movement. The seven stages of LBD are pre-dementia, mild cognitive impairment, mild dementia, moderate dementia, severe dementia, very severe dementia, and end-stage dementia.
Pre-dementia
During the pre-dementia stage, individuals may begin to experience subtle changes in their behavior, such as difficulty concentrating, memory lapses, and changes in sleep patterns. These changes may be so slight as to be unnoticeable, or they may be more pronounced. During this stage, individuals may also experience visual hallucinations, delusions, and increased anxiety.
Mild Cognitive Impairment
During the mild cognitive impairment stage, individuals will experience more noticeable changes in their behavior, cognition, and movement. These changes include difficulty with activities of daily living, such as dressing and bathing, difficulty with language and communication, and increased confusion and disorientation.
Mild Dementia
During the mild dementia stage, individuals will experience more significant changes in their behavior, cognition, and movement. These changes include impaired judgment, forgetfulness, and difficulty with complex tasks. They may also experience changes in their sleep patterns, such as difficulty falling asleep or waking up during the night.
Moderate Dementia
During the moderate dementia stage, individuals will experience further deterioration in their behavior, cognition, and movement. These changes include increased confusion and disorientation, difficulty with activities of daily living, and difficulty with language. Individuals may also experience delusions, hallucinations, and changes in their behavior, such as aggression and agitation.
Severe Dementia
During the severe dementia stage, individuals will experience significant changes in their behavior, cognition, and movement. These changes include difficulty recognizing family members and friends, difficulty with activities of daily living, and severe memory loss. They may also experience delusions, hallucinations, and changes in their behavior, such as aggression and agitation.
Very Severe Dementia
During the very severe dementia stage, individuals will experience even more significant changes in their behavior, cognition, and movement. These changes include extreme confusion and disorientation, difficulty with activities of daily living, and severe memory loss. They may also experience delusions, hallucinations, and changes in their behavior, such as aggression and agitation.
End-Stage Dementia
During the end-stage dementia stage, individuals will experience profound changes in their behavior, cognition, and movement. These changes include complete loss of memory, difficulty with activities of daily living, and severe confusion and disorientation. They may also experience delusions, hallucinations, and changes in their behavior, such as aggression and agitation. At this stage, individuals will require full-time assistance with activities of daily living.