Mutual Symptoms
Parkinson’s disease dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies are both devastating degenerative brain diseases. Neurodegenerative disorders are incurable conditions that cause gradual deterioration of nerve cells and parts of the brain. As these diseases progress and attack the nervous system and brain, individuals may begin to lose the ability to properly speak, move, balance, feel sensation, and a host of others.
Parkinson’s disease dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies are often thought to be one in the same because of how similar their symptoms can be. Despite this, they are indeed two separate conditions that have slight, but notable, differences. These differences are not only challenging for patients and families to understand, but professionals have even tried to group both under one umbrella to save confusion.
Differences Between Parkinson’s and Lewy Bodies
What is Parkinson’s Disease Dementia (PDD)?
Parkinson’s disease dementia is a term specifically used for those who have suffered with Parkinson’s for multiple or several years and eventually develop dementia. Almost always in the early stages of Parkinson’s, patients will experience inhibited motor skills and even sometimes cognitive change. Non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s may appear over time, such as memory loss, anxiety, fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, and more. However, not all individuals who are diagnosed with Parkinson’s will receive a dementia diagnosis, and it is not yet possible to determine which Parkinson’s patients will develop dementia as well.
What is Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB)?
Dementia with Lewy bodies inhibits everyday activities by causing memory and thinking problems, specifically targeting problem-solving, planning, and visual learning abilities. In contrast to PDD, dementia usually always appears first or around the same time as parkinsonism) in patients with DLB. The motor symptoms of Parkinson’s (tremors, balance, stiffness, etc.) come as the disease progresses.
The main difference between Parkinson’s disease and dementia with Lewy bodies is the timeline of the symptom onset. With Parkinson’s, onset of symptoms usually happens gradually over years of having the illness. However, with Lewy body dementia, the onset of symptoms is much more aggressive, rapidly affecting patients within a year of diagnosis.
Specialized Care
At Home to Stay, we offer the best dementia care in Cherry Hill & Camden County because we believe that people with dementia still have feelings, desires, wants and needs. By creating a predictable day filled with essential tasks required for daily living and meaningful activities which match their current level of dementia, they can live much happier and fulfilled lives in the comfort of their own home with our trusted dementia care specialists. Your loved one deserves outstanding care. If you are located in New Jersey, contact Home to Stay today to learn more at (856) 321-1500 (Cherry Hill) or (732) 820-9611 (Red Bank).
