Index IntroductionDementia with Lewy bodies (DLB)Alzheimer's diseaseIntroductionAlzheimer's and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) are two separate but similar conditions. Alzheimer's affects the brain's ability to store new information in the form of memories, which explains the characteristic memory loss of this condition. DLB, on the other hand, targets a different set of cognitive functions, particularly problem solving and reasoning. While there are tests that can be conducted to more definitively determine the presence of these conditions, in general, both Alzheimer's and DLB are diagnosed through observation and monitoring the progression of an individual's symptoms. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essayDementia with Lewy bodies (DLB)Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is a progressive type of dementia that leads to a decline in thinking and reasoning and independent function. DLB is characterized by the abnormal accumulation of proteins in deposits known as Lewy bodies. This protein is also associated with Parkinson's disease and Parkinson's dementia. People who have Lewy bodies in the brain often have the plaques and tangles associated with Alzheimer's disease. Plaques and tangles are prime suspects in cell death and tissue loss in the Alzheimer's brain. Plaques are abnormal clumps of chemically "sticky" proteins called beta-amyloid that build up between nerve cells. Symptoms of DLB ​​include: Changes in thinking and reasoning Confusion and alertness that vary significantly from one time of day to another or from one day to the next Parkinson's disease Symptoms, such as hunched posture, balance problems, and muscle stiffness Visual hallucinations Delusions Difficulty interpreting visual information Acting out dreams, sometimes violently, a problem known as rapid eye movement (REM) sleep disorder Malfunctions of the "automatic" (autonomic) nervous system Memory loss which may be significant but less noticeable compared to the diagnosis of Alzheimer's. As with other types of dementia, there is no single, conclusive test that can diagnose dementia with Lewy bodies. Currently, DLB is a clinical diagnosis, meaning it represents a doctor's best professional judgment about the reason for a person's symptoms. The only way to definitively diagnose DLB is through a post-mortem autopsy. It is widely believed among experts that DLB and Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD) are two different expressions of the same underlying problems with brain processing of the protein alpha-synuclein. But most experts recommend continuing to diagnose DLB and Parkinson's dementia as separate disorders. DLB will be diagnosed when: dementia symptoms consistent with DLB develop first when both dementia and motor symptoms are present at the time of diagnosis when dementia symptoms appear one year after motor symptoms. PDD will be diagnosed when: An individual is originally diagnosed with Parkinson's disease based on motor symptoms, but symptoms of dementia do not appear until a year or later. No specific causes of DLB ​​have been identified. Most people diagnosed with DLB have no family history of the disease, and no genetic link to DLB has been definitively identified. Prognosis: DLB has no cure, and there are no existing treatments that can slow or prevent the damage to brain cells caused by DLB. DLB; It is a progressive, life-shortening disease. Current strategies yesfocus on using medications to relieve/manage symptoms. Because Lewy bodies tend to coexist with Alzheimer's brain changes, it can sometimes be difficult to distinguish DLB from Alzheimer's disease, especially in the early stages. Alzheimer's Disease Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia. The word dementia describes a set of symptoms that can include memory loss and difficulty thinking, problem-solving, or speaking. These symptoms occur when the brain is damaged by certain diseases, including Alzheimer's disease. Proteins build up in the brain to form structures called "plaques" and "tangles." This leads to loss of connections between nerve cells and ultimately to nerve cell death and loss of brain tissue. People with Alzheimer's also have a deficiency of some important chemicals in the brain. These chemical messengers help transmit signals in the brain. When they are in short supply, signals are not transmitted as effectively. As discussed below, current treatments for Alzheimer's disease can help increase levels of chemical messengers in the brain, which can help relieve some symptoms. Symptoms Symptoms of Alzheimer's disease progress slowly over several years. These symptoms are sometimes confused with other conditions and may initially be attributed to advanced age. The speed at which symptoms progress is different for each individual, and it is not possible to predict exactly how quickly they will get worse. In some cases, infections, medications, stroke, or delirium may be responsible for worsening symptoms. In general, the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease are divided into three main stages. Early Symptoms In the early stages, the main symptom of Alzheimer's disease is memory lapses. For example, someone with early-stage Alzheimer's disease may: forget recent conversations or events, or lose items forget the names of places and objects, or have trouble thinking of the right word repeat themselves regularly, such as asking the same question multiple times show poor judgment or difficulty making decisions become less flexible and more hesitant to try new things There are often signs of changes in mood, such as increased anxiety or agitation, or periods of confusion. Middle-Stage Symptoms As Alzheimer's disease develops, memory problems will worsen. Someone with this condition may have increasing difficulty remembering the names of people they know and may have difficulty recognizing their family and friends. Other symptoms may also develop, such as: increasing confusion and disorientation – for example, getting lost, or wandering and wandering. not knowing what time of day it is obsessive, repetitive or impulsive behavior delusions (believing things that aren't true) or feeling paranoid and suspicious of carers or family members problems with speech or language (aphasia) sleep disorders changes in mood, such as frequent mood swings, depression, and feelings of increasing anxiety, frustration, or agitation difficulty performing spatial tasks, such as judging distances hallucinations At this stage, someone with Alzheimer's disease usually needs support to help them in life of every day. For example, they may need help eating, bathing, dressing and using the bathroom. Later symptoms In the advanced stages of Alzheimer's disease, the symptoms become increasingly severe and painful for the affected person, as well as for their carers, friends and family. family. Hallucinations and delusions may come and go over the course of the disease, but may worsen as the disease progresses.