Detecting LBD

Florida residents who suspect that they or a loved one may suffer from Lewy body dementia, or LBD, should be aware that early detection can be a key factor in having successful treatment. People who have LBD tend to respond more favorably to certain types of dementia medications than individuals who have Alzheimer’s. This means that receiving treatment during the early stages can help enhance and extend the quality of life for LBD sufferers and their caregivers. The accurate and early diagnosis of LBD is also important because many LBD sufferers tend to have poorer responses to certain types of drugs for movement and behavior than individuals who have Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s.

Alzheimer’s is a disease whose most well-known symptom is the progressive decline of recent memory. Its symptoms can also include difficulties with language, abstract thinking, judgement and calculation. Alzheimer’s sufferers may suffer from anxiety or depression, exhibit behavioral or personality changes, and experience place and time disorientation.

LBD serves as a comprehensive term for a type of dementia that presents in three common ways. Some LBD sufferers may have a cognitive or memory disorder similar to Alzheimer’s disease, but they will likely develop at least two more distinctive features that indicate dementia with Lew bodies. Some of the symptoms of LBD that distinguish it from Alzheimer’s disease include being alert or attentive, having unpredictable degrees of cognitive ability, exhibiting changes in the manner of movement, having visual hallucinations and experiencing REM sleep behavior disorder.

A medical malpractice attorney may pursue financial damages against the medical personnel responsible for the misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis of a medical condition. Financial compensation may be sought from physicians and hospital facilities for diagnosis negligence that resulted in a worsened condition, delayed treatment, unnecessary treatment, additional medical expenses, permanent disability or death.