Key Takeaways
- Lewy body dementia is a progressive condition that affects memory, movement, and mood.
- The condition typically develops after age 60 and progresses through seven stages.
- Early symptoms may include vivid dreams, tremors, mood shifts, or minor memory changes.
- Middle stages involve noticeable cognitive decline, communication challenges, and increased need for support.
- Late stages require full-time care as physical and cognitive symptoms become more advanced.
- Memory care communities offer structure, safety, and dignity for those living with Lewy body dementia.
The Basics of Lewy Body Dementia
Dementia is an extremely complicated condition. There isn’t just one type, either. Dementia covers many conditions—like Lewy body dementia—and each of these affects the brain a little differently. Planning ahead and learning more is an essential step towards getting a loved one with Lewy body dementia the care they need.
Lewy body dementia progresses through seven stages. At first, it causes subtle changes in sleep and movement. As it worsens, it leads to cognitive decline and the need for professional care. Fortunately, with the right memory care community, a person with Lewy body dementia can still live an engaging and fulfilling life.
What Is Lewy Body Dementia?
Lewy body dementia is a progressive condition that occurs when abnormal protein deposits called Lewy bodies form in the brain. These deposits interfere with how brain cells function, which can impact memory, movement, behavior, and mood over time. Lewy body dementia typically affects adults over 50, with most diagnoses occurring after age 60.
This condition affects multiple parts of the brain at once, and leads to:
- Changes in balance, coordination, or movement
- Memory or thinking difficulties
- Visual hallucinations
- Shifts in alertness or attention throughout the day
Because of this variety, daily experiences may feel inconsistent or unpredictable.
The 7 Stages of Lewy Body Dementia
Lewy body dementia progresses through 7 key stages. Each of these brings new unique symptoms to a person’s life, which is why professional care is so important.
Stage 1: No Cognitive Decline
During this initial stage, you might notice subtle changes that seem unrelated to memory or thinking. Sleep disturbances often appear first, including vivid dreams, talking during sleep, or physically acting out dreams. Some people also experience mood shifts or mild depression before any cognitive challenges surface.
Minor motor symptoms might develop, such as slight tremors, stiffness, or changes in handwriting. These early signs often get attributed to aging or stress, making this stage difficult to recognize as the beginning of LBD.
Stage 2: Very Mild Cognitive Decline
You may begin experiencing occasional forgetfulness or difficulty concentrating on complex tasks. Finding words might take longer, and you could notice increased challenges with multitasking or organizing activities. These changes remain mild enough that a person can still maintain their independence.
Stage 3: Mild Cognitive Decline
Symptoms become more noticeable to family and friends during this stage. Someone might struggle with planning activities, managing finances, or remembering recent conversations. Getting lost in familiar places or having difficulty following complex instructions becomes more common. In some cases, a person with early-stage Lewy body dementia may begin noticing small visual hallucinations.
The Middle Stages of Lewy Body Dementia
The middle stages of Lewy body dementia tend to include the same symptoms as the earlier stages. However, new changes develop, which create unique challenges.
Stage 4: Moderate Cognitive Decline
At this stage, the signs of Lewy body dementia become more apparent. This is the point when symptoms are obvious enough that healthcare providers can formally diagnose the condition. Communication grows more challenging, with increasing difficulty finding words and following conversations. Some individuals may also begin to occasionally lose recognition of familiar people or places.
This stage typically brings clearer signs that lead healthcare providers to diagnose Lewy body dementia. Communication becomes more difficult, with word-finding problems increasing and conversations becoming harder to follow. Someone might struggle to recognize familiar people or places occasionally. Behavioral changes intensify, and a person may experience increased agitation, particularly during evening hours.
Stage 5: Moderate to Severe Cognitive Decline
At this point, a person tends to need more support with daily activities. Tasks like dressing, bathing, or cooking become more challenging. Some people struggle to recognize close family members, though this fluctuates day by day.
As confusion and disorientation deepen, creating a safe, structured environment becomes increasingly important. Impaired judgment can raise safety concerns, especially with unsupervised activities. During this stage, families tend to consider memory care to help preserve their loved one’s quality of life.
Late-Stage Lewy Body Dementia
In the late stages, a person with Lewy body dementia needs professional care available 24/7. This is key to slowing the condition’s progression and preserving dignity and safety.
Stage 6: Severe Cognitive Decline
Full-time care and supervision become necessary during this stage. Communication becomes significantly limited, though someone may still respond to familiar voices and gentle touch. The physical symptoms increase as well, which leads to problems with mobility and other daily needs.
Stage 7: Extreme Cognitive Decline
This final stage often involves significant memory loss along with physical decline. Communication becomes limited, and full support is typically needed for all daily tasks. Care at this stage focuses on comfort, dignity, and preserving a sense of familiarity.
In the last stage, a person’s support needs are extremely complex. They’ll need a team of caregivers who understand the nuances of complex dementia cases. This is the key to maintaining a calm, dignified lifestyle.
Supporting Your Loved One Through Each Stage
Dementia is more complicated than it first seems. That’s entirely normal, and fortunately, your family isn’t alone. If you’re worried about a loved one’s cognitive health, our Lilac Trace Memory Care lifestyle can make all the difference.
Here at The Enclave of Scarborough, we use research-backed approaches to meet each resident where they are on their journey. Our wonderful team works every day to create environments that promote stability, dignity, and belonging for individuals with Lewy body dementia and their families. That’s what you deserve, and we’re here for you. Book a tour with us today to learn more.
