Families Learn Alzheimer ' s May Not Be Alzheimer ' s Instead It ' s

Many will discover it ’s not Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease at all that impairs function, instead its Lewy body dementia (LBD), the second most common form of progressive dementia after Alzheimer’s disease.Families Learn Alzheimer ’s-Like Symptoms May Not Be Alzheimer’s The most misdiagnosed dementia, LBD affects 1.3 million Americans.“Early and accurate diagnosis is critical,” says Angela Taylor, director of programs, Lewy Body Dementia Association. “In fact, it may be life-saving.” Taylor warns, “Unlike Alzheimer’s disease, people with undiagnosed LBD may be exposed to medications that can be very harmful to them. M isdiagnosis or lack of diagnosis also delays comprehensive symptom management that could improve their quality of life.”Taylor adds,“We’re helping healthcare practitioners and LBD families with information and resources. We collaborated with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) on a new, comprehensive downloadable booklet, which includes a series of ‘Caregiver Sketches’ that highlight the experiences of others to unve il the shroud around LBD. It helps people to compare notes, and it encourages them to seek help… and that’s why we’re here.”Caregiver Sketches of LBDNot-so-sweet dreams In his mid-sixties, Bruce started having some mild confusion and vivid dreams that he physically acted out by thrashing around and even falling out of bed. His neurologist diagnosed REM sleep behavior disorder and mild cognitive ...
Source: I am an Alzheimer's Caregiver - Category: Geriatrics Authors: Source Type: blogs