Two of the most well-known aspects of cognitive decline happen to be dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Dementia is an umbrella term used to define cognitive degenerative diseases that affect memory, language, and thinking skills of a person. Alzheimer’s is one such disease that most of us are aware of, but there are other diseases that also come under dementia. Dr. Kellyn Lee, CEO of The Dementia Care Hub, recently shed light in a TikTok video on Lewy Body dementia (LBD), a lesser-known but significant form of dementia. This comes as dementia continues to affect over 944,000 individuals in the UK. Understanding Lewy Body Dementia According to Alzheimer's Research UK, LBD accounts for roughly 10 to 15 out of every 100 dementia cases, making it the third most common type after Alzheimer's and vascular dementia. Dr. Lee, responding to public interest, explained in a recent TikTok video that LBD is caused by abnormal proteins that attach themselves to parts of the brain. This protein accumulation can lead to various cognitive and physical challenges. Patients often experience memory difficulties and struggles with everyday tasks. LBD can also impact behavior, mood, and alertness, sometimes presenting as a "vagueness." Primary Symptoms of Lewy Body Dementia Unlike some other types of dementia, significant memory loss in LBD can develop more gradually. Instead, issues with visual perception and alertness may be more prominent earlier in the disease progression. Currently, there's no cure for LBD or other forms of dementia. However, various treatments, including medications, cognitive stimulation therapies, and rehabilitation, are available to help manage symptoms. LBD symptoms can vary, Dr. Lee highlighted several common indicators: Changes in alertness Someone with Lewy Body dementia might seem to drift in and out of being fully awake and aware. One moment they could be quite clear and responsive, and the next they might appear confused, drowsy, or even stare blankly. These changes can happen quickly, sometimes within minutes or hours, and can be very unpredictable. Trouble communicating People might find it hard to express what they want to say or to understand what others are saying to them. This can make conversations difficult and frustrating for both the person with dementia and their loved ones.Seeing things that aren't there: This is known as visual hallucinations. For example, a person might see animals, people, or objects that aren't actually present. These hallucinations can sometimes be pleasant, but they can also be upsetting or frightening. Movement problems like Parkinson's Disease This symptom is called spontaneous Parkinsonism. It means a person might develop issues with movement, similar to what you'd see in Parkinson's disease. This can include: Slow movements: They might move very slowly, taking small, shuffling steps, which can affect their ability to walk safely. Stiffness: Their body might become stiff and rigid, making it hard to move their arms and legs freely. Tremors: They might experience uncontrollable shaking, especially in their hands or limbs. These movement issues can make everyday tasks, like doing hobbies or simply getting around, much harder and increase the risk of falls. Potential Signs of Lewy Body Dementia Depression and anxietySlow movement, stiff limbs, tremors, and shuffling while walkingMarked swings between alertness, confusion, or sleepinessDisturbed sleep, such as talking in sleep or acting out dreamsDifficulties understanding problemsMemory issues (though significant memory loss may appear later)Challenges with visual perceptionLanguage difficultiesHallucinations (visual or auditory)Fainting, unsteadiness, and fallsProblems with thinking speed and judgmentDysphagia (swallowing problems)