Lewy Body Dementia symptoms are diverse and often fluctuate from day to day, which can make diagnosis challenging. Here are the most commonly observed symptoms:
Cognitive Symptoms
Memory Loss: Although not as severe in early stages as in Alzheimer’s, short-term memory may be affected.
Attention Fluctuations: Patients may seem alert and coherent one moment and confused or unresponsive the next.
Executive Dysfunction: Difficulty with planning, problem-solving, and decision-making.
Visual-Spatial Problems: Trouble judging distances, recognizing objects, or navigating familiar environments.
Motor Symptoms
Parkinsonism: Slowed movement (bradykinesia), muscle stiffness, shuffling walk, and tremors similar to Parkinson’s disease.
Postural Instability: Increased risk of falls due to poor balance and coordination.
Visual Hallucinations
One of the hallmark features of LBD is vivid, well-formed visual hallucinations. Patients often see people, animals, or objects that aren’t there. These hallucinations are persistent and may become a daily occurrence.
Sleep Disturbances
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD): Acting out dreams during REM sleep, sometimes violently.
Daytime Drowsiness: Excessive sleepiness despite adequate nighttime sleep.
Mood and Behavioral Changes
Depression and Anxiety: Common in both early and advanced stages.
Apathy: Loss of motivation and interest in daily activities.
Paranoia and Delusions: False beliefs about people or situations, sometimes leading to agitation.
