This is a neurological disorder that has been discussed only sparsely in the public realm. That itself is the reason why it should be discussed in detail and also in the most comprehensive manner to make people aware of the condition.
A proper awareness regarding the disease and the 7 stages of Lewy body dementia can be quite useful for you and your dear ones to treat the affected.
One of the most important things affecting the individual who has contracted the disease would be difficulty in making movements.
People have also reported a slight yet significant cognitive decline in individuals who have been contracted with this particular condition. However, it is also important to note that the severity of this cognitive decline may increase leading to a complete collapse of the individual.
Under such conditions, the individual would not be able to do things on their own and is highly likely to be dependent on others. It is important to extend your kind care and love to those who are affected by the situation. For that, having a detailed understanding of the condition is quite important, which can be acquired from the article.
The 7 Stages of Lewy Body Dementia
Stage 1
This particular stage of Lewy Body Dementia is characterized by absolutely no symptoms. You may lead a normal life as you used to live before. However, if you have been undergoing any kind of imaging or scanning for any other medical conditions under any situation.
There are chances for your doctor to find some early signs and symptoms of Lewy Body Dementia. Early diagnosis can be a blessing even though there are not any significant and visible symptoms to make this possible during the initial stages.
Stage 2
Many of us mistake stage 2 as the first and foremost stage of Lewy Body Dementia since this is the first stage when the signs and symptoms of the disease start to surface. Mild cognitive symptoms can be noticed during this period.
This may appear in the form of mild forgetfulness. Even if signs and symptoms start to be visible during this period, it is relatively difficult to identify them on a serious note and address them.
Hence the diagnosis of the condition at this second stage out of all the 7 stages of Lewy body dementia can be quite difficult. Apart from all these, There are also chances for the near and dear ones around you to be neglectful of the situation, by disregarding them as a part of the natural aging process and the forgetfulness associated with it.
Stage 3
This is a period when the dear and near ones around the contracted person start to notice some significant changes in them. From the level of mild forgetfulness of things, the individual may begin to forget things more severely.
He or she may even find it difficult to recollect things that happened recently. Apart from that, the person may also express concentration issues. If the individual is involved in any kind of cognitive-demanding professional domain, they may find it difficult to cope with the professional requirements in the workplace.
This can lead to a lack of self-confidence in the individual. Confusion is another important issue that might be bothering the people who are contracted with the issue of Lewy Body Dementia. When compared with the rest of the 7 stages of Lewy Body Dementia, this is one of the stages in which a proper diagnosis can be done if you have kept a serious eye on your loved ones around you.
Stage 4
Even if a diagnosis can be expected in stage 3 itself, a majority of cases get diagnosed in the 4th stage of the disease. The uncertainties of the family members may be clarified during this stage if they make it a point to consult with an expert neurologist without making any further ado.
Neurologists can easily get the condition diagnosed at this stage. Affected people may find it difficult to locate even the most familiar objects. The problem-solving abilities of the individual would also be in a significant decline.
Eventually, in this particular stage of the 7 stages of Lewy Body Dementia, the individual may also start to lose an uninterrupted and healthy sleep cycle.
The finance management abilities of the person may also find a downfall during this stage. It is also not advised to let the patient travel alone during this stage.
Stage 5
Among the 7 stages of Lewy Body Dementia, issues of body movement and coordination can be expected in this particular stage. Memory loss, problem-solving difficulties, and confusion are likely to get aggravated during this stage.
Hallucinations, paranoia, and delusions may also start to appear during this stage, sometimes making it hard to deal with the person. However, the weirdness or inappropriateness in the behavior of the individual, would not be recognizable to them.
Hence it is likely to take a lot of patience to try making them understand the reality bit by bit. Independent living would not be possible in individuals belonging to the 5th stage in the 7 stages of Lewy Body Dementia.
Stage 6
All the cognitive and physical troubles mentioned in Stage 5 would become more severe in this particular stage of Lewy Body Dementia. Short-term memory loss is one of the most characteristic features of the people belonging to this stage.
They would be able to recall events and people who are far away in memory lane, but not those who are close. Increased requirements for assistance in daily life and activities make it a much more difficult period to deal with. Transformation in personality, involuntary urination, and loss the speaking abilities also mark this period in the 7 stages of Lewy Body Dementia.
Stage 7
This is the ultimate stage of Lewy Body Dementia. Physical assistance and emotional support are crucial during this period for the individual to survive. Movement difficulties may also worsen during this period.
Conclusion
These are all the 7 stages of Lewy Body Dementia that you need to know. This understanding can help you monitor yourself and also the dear and near ones around you better. All you need to do is accept this challenging phase of life and then show the priceless love and kindness that are required in this stage.
