7 stages of lewy body dementia

You have likely heard about Lewy Body Dementia (LBD), a progressive neurological disorder that affects behavior, thinking patterns, and movement. It is estimated that around 1.4 million individuals in the United States suffer from Lewy Body Dementia, also known as Lewy Body Disease.

The 7 stages of LBD are categorized into 3 levels: mild, moderate, and severe. People may experience mild confusion, behavioral changes and memory difficulties in the mild stage. As the disease progresses symptoms may worsen, including delusions, hallucinations and movement difficulties. In the severe stage, individuals may face significant cognitive decline, difficulty with activities of daily living, and communication challenges. If your elderly parents are struggling with the disease it’s critical that you or someone familiar to them is there with them as often as possible. If you can’t be available 24/7, as is the case with most people, one of the many virtual companion services for seniors could be an option to consider. 

What are the 7 stages of lewy body dementia?

The following are typically the 7 stages of Lewy Body Dementia. The stages don’t always follow this exact pattern, so consider this a general guide:

1. Early Symptoms

Early symptoms of Lewy Body Dementia are often difficult to identify. These early signs can include changes in behavior such as increased depression, anxiety, and difficulty with decision-making. Caring for elderly parents with LBD through daily contact is crucial to help them feel comfortable and safe. Companionship plays a significant role in supporting those with dementia-type illnesses such as LBD.

2. Mild Cognitive Impairment

Also known as MCI, the symptoms may include a decline in cognitive abilities, such as language, memory, and difficulty with problem-solving skills. In this stage, people may experience difficulty with tasks that need focus, such as remembering a list of items or completing a crossword puzzle.

3. Mild Dementia

During the mild dementia phase, people with LBD may experience mild cognitive decline, which may take the form of difficulty with memory, problem-solving, and language. They may become easily confused and experience increased depression, anxiety, and apathy. If your elderly parents live alone, they are more likely to develop mild dementia if they lack regular communication, are socially isolated, or experience feelings of loneliness. 

4. Moderate Dementia

In moderate dementia, the person may face more pronounced cognitive decline. They may find it difficult to perform daily life activities, such as eating, bathing, and dressing, and experience changes in behavior such as increased confusion and agitation. An individual may still be able to communicate with family and friends at this stage however. During this stage, they will likely need someone by their side to offer companionship on a regular or constant basis. If a family member is not available, a virtual companion may help.

5. Moderately Severe Dementia

At this stage people may face a decline in their ability to communicate. They may also experience difficulty with problem-solving, disorientation, and confusion. During this stage caring for aging parents becomes a constant task, as they need assistance and companionship on a continuous basis. Individuals may still be able to recognize family members and engage in meaningful conversations at this stage.

6. Severe Dementia

In this stage, people cannot respond or communicate consistently. They may be unable to recognize family members and depend completely on others for their personal care. Additionally, they may experience behavioral changes, including hallucinations, agitation, and aggression.

7. End-Stage Dementia

In the seventh stage of Lewy Body Dementia, people may experience a severe decline in cognitive and physical abilities. At this stage, elderly people may have difficulty speaking, a complete loss of memory, and difficulty with basic activities of daily living.

If any of these stages sound familiar and you live apart from your parents, you might consider buying a virtual companion for elderly parents such as Eve, a new type of virtual companion designed to provide companionship to elderly people struggling with dementia.

Taking care of elderly parents with lewy body dementia

Virtual companion care can be a valuable resource for people with Lewy body dementia, offering various benefits that address the unique challenges of this condition. Below is a brief overview of how virtual companion care can help: 

• Consistency and routine: Virtual companions can help establish and maintain daily routines, which are crucial for individuals with LBD. Calls can be scheduled at certain times of day, for example, acting as prompts to eat, drink, or exercise. Consistency of routine can provide structure and reduce confusion, making daily life easier to manage. 
• Cognitive stimulation: Home companion care services often include interactive activities designed to engage and stimulate the mind. Cognitive exercises such as puzzles and games can help maintain mental health and also be entertaining. 
• Companionship and social interaction: People with LBD often experience social withdrawal and experience feelings of loneliness. Virtual companions offer conversation, social interaction and emotional support, thus helping to reduce feelings of isolation. 
• Personalization: Virtual companions can be customized to cater to the individual’s preferences and needs, including adjusting communication styles and activities to suit their cognitive abilities and interests. 

Conclusion

Incorporating virtual in-home companion care into a broader care plan can enhance the quality of life for individuals with Lewy Body Dementia, offering a layer of additional support that complements traditional in-person care. If your loved one is struggling with dementia, you may consider buying a virtual companion such as Eve. For more information on how Eve works, visit https://iameve.ai/ to learn more about the benefits for people with LBD.