Every year, thousands of Americans are misdiagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. For many of these patients, the true diagnosis is a similar but not as well-known disease: dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB).
Up to 1.3 million Americans are living with dementia with Lewy bodies, according to the Lewy Body Dementia Association (LBDA). That estimate could even be much higher, given that some people who’ve been inaccurately identified as having Parkinson’s still have not received the correct diagnosis.
The two diseases have very similar symptoms, particularly as they progress, because they cause similar changes in the brain. Here are the symptoms you should be informed about, according to the LBDA:
- More severe dementia symptoms – Growing confusion and decreasing attention and executive function are frequent. Memory impairment may not be obvious in the early stages.
- Hallucinations of other senses – Touch or hearing are usually the most frequent.
- Struggling with visual hallucinations – These are typically complex and detailed.
- An increase in falls and fainting – This includes any unexplained loss of consciousness.
- Problems with REM sleep behavior – This tends to appear years prior to the onset of dementia and Parkinson’s.
- Other psychiatric disruptions – These vary from patient to patient.
How important is an accurate diagnosis? Diagnosing DLB quickly and properly may well mean the difference between life and death, according to Howard I. Hurtig, M.D., Chair, Department of Neurology, Pennsylvania Hospital and Elliott Professor of Neurology. Incorrectly treating DLB can not only result in significant adverse reactions, but can even exacerbate symptoms and preclude effective symptom management.
A lot of confusion between medical professionals is because Parkinson’s disease and DLB fall into the exact same umbrella of Lewy body dementias.
A major difference to note is the “one-year rule” in reference to the cognitive symptoms. Patients with Parkinson’s disease typically do not present cognitive issues until at least a year after movement symptoms start. DLB is typically the exact opposite, with cognitive symptoms showing up first for at least one year.
If someone you love has Parkinson’s or DLB, Advanced Home Health Care is here to help with trusted senior home care services in Burlington, Fort Madison, Keokuk, and the surrounding areas. Reach out to us online or at 800-791-7785 to schedule a free in-home care assessment or to discover more about how we can assist a loved one with dementia.