Lewy body dementia and bizarre symptom

Lewy body dementia and bizarre symptom

Dementia with Lewy bodies is one of the most common types of dementia. The NHS suggests that LBD is rooted in aggregated Lewy bodies, an abnormal protein in brain cells. Abnormal proteins can accumulate in the brain, leading to memory and muscle impairment, according to a report published by healthnews.

A study published by the Mayo Clinic website revealed that years before a diagnosis of Lewy disease, its symptoms could appear, especially while the patient was sleeping.

Mayo Clinic researchers also identified an association between REM sleep disorder and LBD.

representation of dreams

"Not everyone who suffers from a sleep disorder develops dementia with Lewy bodies, but it turns out that 75 to 80% of men with dementia with Lewy bodies in Mayo Clinic database of patients with REM sleep behavior disorder, which is one of the very strong signs of the disease.”

The team of researchers concluded by saying that “the strongest indicator of whether a man is developing LBD is whether he physically acts out his dreams during sleep,” noting that “patients are five times more likely” to develop LBD if they show such symptoms. .

The researchers also recommended follow-up of patients diagnosed with REM sleep disorder and further treatment to prevent dementia.

Rapid eye movement sleep disorder

This is when the brain is very active during the stage of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, which usually witnesses a person's dreams. REM sleep is crucial for brain health, especially as it is associated with healthy memory and cognitive function, which aids emotional thinking and creativity.

REM sleep disorder is a type of sleep disorder in which a person persistently dreams vivid, often disturbing dreams with vibrant sounds and rapid arm and leg movements during REM sleep.

It is not normal for a person to move constantly during REM sleep, which accounts for about 20% of the stages of the second half of sleep. REM sleep behavior disorder occurs gradually and can worsen over time, often associated with neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease or multiple system atrophy.

Hallucinations and cognitive impairment

Hallucinations, confusion, cognitive impairment and slowed movement are some of the symptoms of Lewy body dementia, which interfere with a person's daily life and negatively affect daily activities. Although there is no definitive cure for Lewy body dementia, medications are available to help reduce persistent symptoms, such as occupational and psychological therapy.

precautionary measures

A number of precautions can be taken in order to get more REM sleep and maintain healthy brain function, as follows:
• Routine sleep schedule
• Get more sunlight and regulate the circadian rhythm
• Doing regular exercise
• Avoid smoking
• Avoid consuming caffeine at night

Frank Hogerpets