Memory & Dementia
Lewy Body Dementia
Lewy body dementia involves changes in thinking together with features such as fluctuating attention, visual hallucinations, parkinsonian movement changes, and acting out dreams during sleep.
Features that suggest Lewy body dementia
- Attention and alertness that fluctuate through the day
- Well-formed visual hallucinations
- Slowness, stiffness, tremor, or changes in walking
- Acting out dreams (REM sleep behavior disorder)
- Marked sensitivity to certain medications
- Blood pressure or other autonomic changes
Why accurate diagnosis matters
Certain medications, particularly some antipsychotics, can be poorly tolerated in Lewy body dementia. Recognizing the diagnosis changes how symptoms are managed.
Evaluation
- History including sleep and movement symptoms
- Neurological examination
- Cognitive testing
- Brain imaging when appropriate
- Review of all current medications
A companion resource for families
Looking for dementia information and Illinois resources?
The Illinois Dementia Guide is a comprehensive educational resource for Illinois families navigating memory loss and dementia, including practical dementia information, caregiver guidance, and local resources.
Related topics
Request a Neurology Appointment
Text 815-276-7050 with your first name and the word "Memory," or call 815-337-7100 to schedule. Our office will follow up to confirm your evaluation.
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