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Signs and Symptoms of Lewy Body Disease
Lewy body disease is a disease in which mental function declines over time. This can cause symptoms that limit someone's ability to perform functions of daily living. Symptoms include:[8]
- Changing alertness
- Lack of energy
- Staring
- Problems with speaking
- Inability to sleep
- Visual hallucinations (seeing things that aren't there)
- Forgetfulness
- Inability to control body temperature and blood pressure
- Stiff muscles
- Loss of movement
- Fainting
- Memory loss
- REM sleep behavior disorder
REM sleep behavior disorder involves violent movement and speech such as swearing and screaming during sleep.[9] The movement seems to be acting out what is occurring in dreams.[10] Movement can be violent enough to injure bed partners.
In early stages of the disease, mental ability can vary a lot from day to day.[7] Changing levels of awareness can distinguish this condition from Alzheimer's disease.[11] Someone might be able to take part in conversation easily one day and then not talk at all the next day.
Because the ability to move is impaired, someone who has Lewy body disease may be at risk of falling. If he or she is still living at home, consider modifying the house to prevent falls. This can include such things as installing grab bars in the bathroom and getting rid of loose rugs.
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