The Whitworths of Arizona, bringing science to you in everyday language.

Saturday, April 21, 2012

Nearing the End of the LBD Journey

We received a question recently about how end-stage Alzheimer's (AD) and LBD differ, and what to be concerned about. By the time a person reaches end-stage dementia there’s so much damage that it’s all very similar and you may not see much difference. These are some of the differences you might see along with some suggestions about care:
Cognition degeneration:Both AD and LBD are degenerative dementias. That is, cognitive abilities will gradually decrease over time.
o   LBD’s characteristic fluctuations between awareness and confusion continue even into this late stage, albeit, few and far between. It is not unusual for patients to know their family members just before death. Look for these and take advantage of them for a final goodbye. However, remember that by now, your loved one will not be able to communicate well.
·         Communication: Eventually any dementia patient will lose the ability to communicate through the normal channels of talking and facial expressions. However, there’s research saying that comprehension is the last ability to go, and so continue talking to your loved one and assume understanding. Remember that touch continues to be important, as does a loving tone of voice. In addition, don’t talk about them or argue with others in their presence anymore than you would if they were responding. 
o   LBD weakens facial muscles, thus talking and facial expressions become difficult often well before the end stages. Add LBD’s larger share of confused thinking.  The result is that much earlier than with AD, LBD folks may stop trying to communicate through normal channels. Behavior becomes the main form of communication.
·         Acting out behaviors: Consider acting-out behaviors the body’s call for help. They usually become more intense as normal channels of communication fail. Look for physical and/or environmental reasons for the behavior: pain, too much stimulation (light, sound, etc.) See previous blogs, and our book, The Caregiver’s Guide to Lewy Body Dementia.
o   LBD affects thinking early on, thus acting-out due to delusions can be a very early, sometimes first symptom. LBD related symptoms such as hallucinations and acting-out behaviors will increase as communication becomes more difficult. However, they may change in form. With degenerating health, agitation and restlessness may be the most common “acting-out” behaviors.
·         Sleeping. People with any kind of dementia tend to sleep more and more as the end nears—20 hours a day is more the norm than not. If your loved one is restless or agitated at this stage, consider this “acting-out behavior” rather than a sleep problem.
·         General health: Eventually any degenerative dementia will cause a body to become incapacitated and die.
o   LBD is more than a cognitive disorder. As already mentioned, its effect on muscles makes communication difficult. It can also weaken other muscles, and it can affect physical health right from the beginning. Therefore, complications like pneumonia, urinary tract infections or falls can be life threatening.  Good patient care and early detection of problems becomes very important. Consider increased acting-out a signal that something is not right. Check for UTI’s, constipation, or other signs of discomfort. If you can find and remove the irritant, the restlessness should decrease.
·         Life expectancy: If there are no complications, a person with dementia can live for many years before enough brain cells have died to shut everything down—often 20 years or more.
o   LBD patients usually do have complications. Therefore, life expectancy is short: 2 to 7 years after diagnosis. However, LBD is seldom diagnosed until well into the disease process. Life expectancy from the first LBD symptom remembered by spouse or family would likely be similar to AD’s 15-20 years—perhaps longer with good care.

69 comments:

  1. Good info and right to the point. I am not sure if this is truly the
    best place to ask but do you guys have any ideea where to get some professional writers?
    Thank you :)
    Also see my web site > Useful Source

    ReplyDelete
  2. My wife has was diagnosed with LBD,May 2010,I kept her home until Jan 2011,I had to place her in a Care Home.This May,will be 3 years ,she can still add and subtract,and remembers people names,she has a few bad days a week,she is in a wheelchair,cannot sit up,and has to be dressed,somedays she can eat herself and other days has to be fed,her two feet have turned inwards and she cannot stand at all.she was on Sinemet at first 12 a day.she is now down to three pills a day,she is at a plateau,and hasn"t gotten any worse for months..she is in very little pain.I am not sure what stage she is in ...I visit her two or three hours every day...she gets a little antsy ,when I come to see her,I get the nurse to give her a 0.5 mgs of Ativan,and she calms right down and does not seem to shake.,after a half hour or so...I read your article about life expectancy of 15 to 20 yrs.she is now 74 yrs of age...hopefully she will live at least another 10 or 112 years..

    ReplyDelete
  3. Made an error the last number should be 12 years sorry

    ReplyDelete
  4. Great Information

    ReplyDelete
  5. My grandmother was just diagnosised with LBD disease and for yeara she has displayed symptoms of Parkison disease abd a little bit of dementia. Within the past 2 years she has declined rapidly. More jitters and she no longer remembers who I am by name but knows my face when she sees me. She sleeps on and off all day everyday and walks with stand by assistance. She is 86 years old and had lost so much weight even though she she eats a lot on her good days. I just wish I hadore information about what to expect.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sorry to be so long answering this...computer issues. But do go to LBDA.org. It is a very informative website. And of course, our books would also be helpful. For you, the Caregiver's Guide to Lewy Body Dementia would be best.

      Delete
  6. I started caring for my mother in law a little over 2 years ago. She had been sick for years before we knew (my husband was estranged from his family) so we started caring for her when she was already pretty far gone. She was very violent and delusional the first year and extremely active and aggressive. I say the only silver lining was what a relief it really was when she couldn't walk anymore. She's calmed down considerably bit she had never known who I was, but she does see me as a friend and a friendly face and we are very affectionate. She can't put a sentence together and hasn't for some time, very much potpourri when she speaks (some idea she Lays in bed babbling, other times she sleeps constantly). The sudden changes can be alarming... To have a long term plateau then to suddenly be unable to function in a way you've accustomed to. It's hard to want to communicate with someone you love, it's hard for my husband's family to reach out to her because they are so disturbed by their loss and have a hard time with her behaviors. Only knowing her as ill had given me the opportunity to fall in love with her completely as she is so I feel very blessed. I think caring for her has changed me in deep and beautiful ways, she has been a greater gift to me than I've been to her. Love makes you happy and satisfied but love is hard work and sacrifice. So its never easy with her but its purely fulfilling.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. obapplepie ... I truly enjoyed reading your story. For whatever reason, it's made you a better person and I believe there is someone above that notices those things. My sister is 64 and just been diagnosed with last stage LBD. For years it was Parkinsons but I think they have finally put the correct diagnosis on her. Saw her several weeks back and was shocked how far she had fallen from a year ago. I am 59 and her shakes truly concerned me. After reading this information and your story at least I am a little more comfortable understanding the disease. My niece will be attending to her mother and I only hope she gets the care, the concern, and the love you have shown for your mother in law. That's rare ... and genuine. God bless you and my sister. Little brother.

      Delete
    2. How do u know it is ladt stage LBD

      Delete
    3. How do u know it is last stage

      Delete
  7. My partner and I stumbled over here coming from a different
    web address and thought I may as well check things out.
    I like what I see so now i am following you.

    Look forward to checking out your web page yet again.

    My web blog; Cambogia Pure

    ReplyDelete
  8. Our journey is almost complete. It has been a rough journey but I know it has been harder on him. Unless you have traveled down this road you will never know the heart aches and pain of watching your mate drift away from you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, it is called the long death....bless you both!

      Delete
    2. I've been traveling this road for the last 5 years or so, sometimes I forget when I first noticed my husbands symptoms appeared. I like the statement you wrote and you hit the nail on the head. Thanks fro sharing your story.

      Delete
    3. I also share your pain, my mate of 60 years has LBD, for about 3 years, we moved into a assisted living together and for the most part, we are doing OK, she blames me for unfaithfulness ( I have been true in every regards but this is one way she upsets me. I will be here to the end either me of she, I love her so.

      Delete
    4. That is a common symptom of LBD when they feel their spouse had been unfaithful. Just know that it is the disease making her think that not you true partner❤️

      Delete
  9. My husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer disease a few years with beginning symptoms. Last year he was diagnosed at Mayo's Clinic with Lewy Body Dementia. I don't know what stage he is in now but he does have hallucinations every few weeks and at the present is very depressed. He has trouble sleeping so takes about 15mg of sleeping pills a night--which I think is too much but he will not listen to me. He stays in bed all night and doesn't get up at morning until about 9:00 and eats breakfast and then rests on the couch instead of the bed until mid afternoon or maybe all day. I don't know if this is the disease or caused by the sleeping pills. He is a very strong willed person but very depressed. He takes 75mg of depression meds twice a day--is that enough?? What can I do to make him happier? He does enjoy company and does seem better while the other family members are here. Husband is 79 years old and has always been quite active and this really depresses him because he can't seem to take his daily walks and exercise. Any ideas would be appreciated from those that have been through this terrible disease with their loved ones.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Sounds like you need to talk to his doctor. Some sleeping drugs can make his symptoms worse. Is he following the prescribed dose for the depression drugs? Do encourage him to exercise as much as he can. Getting friends to offer to walk with him might help. Anybody else have any ideas?

    ReplyDelete
  11. We have had three neurologist who have seen my husband. Only one has said LBD. the first said parkinision. the second said LBD after the test and told me to go on the internet and read about LBD. Shortly afterwards he said he was leaving and going to another state for personal reasons. We would see the third doctor who kept my husband on the same medication as the second doctor had given. When he began to change the third doctor wanted to do blood work , scan of brain and for him to see a psychiatrist. He thought my husband had had a stroke. I tried to explain LBD to him but he said all I wanted was control over him. What a sad thing to say to a wife of 62 years and is still caring and still loves him to the end. Yes I sit by his bed and hold his hand and kiss his check at night until he goes to sleep. Because I know he did not have a stroke. I will always be thankful for the doctor who told me about LBD.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. What test are you referring to and what meds is he on, if u dont mind my asking

      Delete
  12. Second hand Dementia

    Tell me this is all… just an Atripla dream?

    Vivid recall of nocturnal screams,

    lingering traces of incontinence in my nares.

    physical toll of caregiving,

    on a body, a mind, spirit, a soul.

    The loss of choice, erosion of a heart.

    Desire for release, waiting for the end.

    Some days, are as easy as pie.

    Some days, she prays,” God, please let me die.”

    The costs of longevity.

    Healing scarified skin, MRSA invaded my home.

    The stench of C-Diff too.

    Her sensorial losses,

    sensory overload for me.

    Dreams to nightmares, then back to dreams.

    When did swallowing become a risk?

    Monitoring viscosities.

    Attempting to undo, a kyphotic stance.

    Parkinson’s crept in.

    Shuffling, shuffling.

    Rigid and stiff.

    S- for scoliosis.

    The self-proclaimed, “Crooked Lady”.

    My home, where skill is love and love is skill.

    My life or my dreams on hold.
    My reality.





    Mother – Father- Dementia... and Me
    Mother –Mother-mother
    What a wonderful word.
    One, never stops using it once learned.
    One can never quite release her.
    Time proves the bond, is ever so varied.
    Ma, mum, mommy.
    The embodiment of benevolence, most years.
    Never to be replaced in heart, in soul.
    That is not the true objective of lovers, spouses and dates.
    Yet, is what is sought.
    Father-father-father
    A less wonderful word, to me.
    Antithesis,void,absent.
    He, the original love.
    What is this son to do?
    Time has revealed parental struggles, efforts and scraps.
    The Y donor, Dad.
    Checked out early.
    A Christmas gift to us all.

    Dementia-Dementia-DEMENTIA
    What a horrible word.
    We never forget it once learned.
    The devastation it creates.
    A shared void.
    Her vacant stares.
    The losses.
    What malice,
    in pursuit of longevity.
    Pursued no more. DNR

    Mother- Father –Dementia and ME
    Slow fading of this family.
    Burning question is.
    Who takes care of me?


    2 poems of a book of poems I am composing. it helps to express in words the feelings and the experience. Sad and rewarding. Caregivers need a community of support. Most do it alone.
    Bill at willymike56@hotmail.com You are not alone.

    ReplyDelete
  13. My mother-in-law was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia 3 years ago. Two days ago, her husband couldn't get her out of bed and called 911. Since arriving at the hospital, she has not eaten, they have administered small amounts of fluid through placing a syringe in her mouth and squirting it in, then she swallows. She has only regained consciousness a few times for a few moments each time. Her speech for the most part has been not understandable, but sometimes she says a few words. Is this the end?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sounds like it might be...a person needs very little food at this time--her digestion system has probably just about shut down. The fluid is probably more than adequate. Remember that even though you may not be able to understand her, hearing and comprehension often lasts to the end so keep on talking to her and assume she hears and understands even though she appears to be comatose. And take care of yourselves...this is a difficult time for the family too.

      Delete
    2. I really don't understand the lewy body Dementia. We have been dealing with falls, confusion, mask face, staring into space for at least over 2 years now. First thing her heart was checked and was good. She did fine for about 8 months then the falls started getting worse, we as a family thought she was taking to much meds to cause her symptoms. Not understanding what she was going through she had made herself appointment with Dr to see why this was happening. This medical dr suggested Perkins and started meds until we could get in to see neurologist. First neurologist said not parkions and said she needs her meds adjusted sending us back to medical dr. Then ended up in hospital 2nd time to be told it could be a virus in the brain and started treating her with steroids. Went home she always did good for first 2 weeks after being put on meds then gets worse. This last time I took her to abother ER due to her getting worse and she was dehydrated and didn't k ow what was going on around her. This is where we was told she could have lewy body Dementia but that there are a couple of different dementia that they could not be sure which one she has.( lewy body Dementia, pick disease, and mixed dementia). She very sick while in hospital, went from not sure who I wax to not eating, drinking, not able to barely talk or get the words out that she wanted to say to unable to feed her self or not knowing when she needed to go to bathroom. They sent us home saying she was at the end of the disease and called hospice in to help care for her. I stopped working to bring my mom home to care for her since we were told we were looking at only 1hr to 6 months. About a week after here being her it was a huge adjustment fir everyone in our house not to mention money issues that was going to happen. Mom had been her with me about 4 weeks now to only see her improving her conditions. She does take a couple naps a day but her confusion is better; feeds her self, walks with a walker on her own, go's to bathroom, alone now, she knows everything and body around her. the only fall back is alot of head pain. It started about 1 and half ago and hasn't let up. Hospice still come 2 times a week. Is this normal to go from one extreme of Dr's saying she is at the end to her doing really good. She hasn't been seeing or talking to people that aren't there any more since hospital and is able to eat well on her own an swallow her meds good. Her meds was has having to be crushed and put with ice cream. is this normal to go back and forth like this or maybe she does gave longer to live? she really misses being at home. But I live 40 minutes from her home and don't want to take the chance on her falling again or unable fix her food. I have a family member that does live close to her but they are not dependable. If this is just a short period of her time that is good then I want to enjoy every minute with her, I just don't know what to do. it makes me very frustrating to not understand this disease and not know what I'm supposed to expect from day to day or week to week. I feel like she's getting better or is this just normal?

      Delete
    3. Your mother should not live alone. If you can't have her with you or another family member, consider residential living. Yes, Lewy body dementia (LBD) fluctuates a lot, and yes, she can still live much longer and yes, she can still have some quality times. Find a support group to attend (go to LBDA.org and click on "support"). The members will be able to answer many of your questions from their own experiences.

      Delete
  14. My dad was diagnosed with LBD 3 years ago. He did pretty well until 3 months ago but then he had a rapid decline. We had to place him in a nursing home 3 weeks ago. He doesn't talk much or even seem to acknowledge our presence anymore. He can't walk anymore and is barely eating anything. He is an amazing Dad and I'm so blessed to have had the last 3 years with him. I don't think he will be with us long. It's heart wrenching. I hope he finds peace soon. I hope we all find peace soon.

    ReplyDelete
  15. After 5 years, Mom was finally diagnosed with LBD through a sugar PET scan. We know what she had was not the "normal" Alzheimer's. Although NOT what we wanted to hear at least it was a diagnosis that fit what we had been following for so long.

    Probably brought on by endoscopy anesthesia and two surgeries within 14 mos of that - all 3 causing delirium that was not corrected or helped. Chronic leg pain caused by daily use of Prilosec-when take off, pain magically disappeared! for ever. She also probably had depression from the pain and Prilosec and when off of the "evil" crap, she had horrible anxiety that continues to this day. We found out that she has gene mutations that don't allow for meds to work in her system, so SSRIs are out, etc.

    Brother had Parkinson's along w bladder cancer that took his life at 65 4 years ago, She barely remembers that. Her sister died Oct 1, 2015 of probable ALS, though we think it is more related to Parkinson's, but no autopsy will be done. Mom has the LBD and it has been all consuming for almost 6 years. My husband was diagnosed with PC last October, but I have pretty much been having my parents at my house or I'm at theirs for past 8 months away from family. Anonymous above, I wish that my mom would have a rapid decline so as to be at peace and with her family above. On the day Barb died, my mother in a non-sensical conversation, said in the middle of a sentence, "Barbara died" and continued talking. Another conversation a week later and she asked where she was, I said, Florida, she said to me, "No, Barbara told me she died". Weird but we believe Barbara was trying to reach out to Mom because she worried about her so.

    We are just so sad and I see my dad grieving and my heart is torn.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There is a special feeling that comes with a diagnosis that fits...as you say, not what you want, but one that means you can quit searching. Re "no meds" have you tried essential oils? They may work where the drugs don't. You can use them in a variety of ways..I like aromatherapy because it is so easy. There are some oils like lavender that can be very relaxing. One warning, use only a small amount...too much can have an opposite effect!

      Delete
    2. My brother and i take turns caring for our mother during the week. She was diagnosed with LBD in may 2015 after a diagnosis of parkinsons in July 2012. We have HHA's and a CNA come and stay overnight so we can get some kind of rest. My mothers hallucinations have gotten worse as well as her incontinence. Her anxiety level is through the roof and she becomes agotated very easily dispaying tantrums much like a two year old would. She is currently taking three psychotropic drugs as well as xanax and carbodopa/levodopa. Her depression is extreme with bouts of crying. One thing that i havn't read in any medical journals or posted is my mother will watch the same dvd over and over all day long every day. For instance she will watch the wizard of oz back to back 3 to 4 times during the day then when night time comes she will pick the king and I and watch it 2 to 3 times every night. I talked to her neurologist about this and he told me she also suffers from OCD and this is one thing she can control. If anyone has heard of anything like this please let me know. We will soon be expanding her outside care to include 3 to 4 day shifts through the agency that provides her night help as my brother and i can't do it anymore at this pace. I'm writing this now extremely fatigued from taking care of mom this week and input would be great.

      Delete
    3. So sorry to hear about your mother but she is fortunate to have you and your brother. Do take care of yourselves and get enough help. Dementia caregiving is very hard on caregivers! Re her meds, I'd suggest talking to her neurologist about her meds. Psychotropics are among the drugs that can cause more problems than they solve for someone with LBD. They can even have the opposite effect sometimes and so this might be where some of the anxiety is coming from (see 7/17/`3 blog). Carbodopa/levodopa may be a culprit too. It does help the movement issues but when hallucinations or confusion first show up, a Lewy-savvy doctor will usually change or decrease the PD meds (see 8/23/13 blog). It can also trigger OCD (see 7/5/13 blog). Depression is a common LBD symptom. You didn't mention antidepressants but some of the newer ones may help and are less likely to have the negative effects that psychotropics or PD meds do.

      Delete
    4. I am a caregiver in a facility for the elders..
      I have a elder I administer care to on a daily basis with all signs and symptoms of LBS...with out the actual diagnosis. I only learned of this recently. ..For months of challenges and not truly understanding of behaviors It truly has saddened me to learn of this disease. ...But I thank all of you who have shared your experiencs about LBS.It is a eye-opener in the care I can give to my elder....I play a very important role in their lives everyday. I only stumbled on to this site by accident and am truly great full that I found you all.... please continue to share with each and every one, all of your stories ...it has truly been a eye-opener to me and how I can give my elder the best that they deserve. ......thanks to you all......(tennessee.)

      Delete
    5. And thanks for all you do for the people under your care. Do check out the rest of the entries in our blog, our website (LBDtools.com), the Lewy Body Dementia Assn. website (LBDA.com) and finally, the Teepa Snow website (teepasnow.com). All of these are wonderful resources.

      Delete
  16. My father passed away from pancreatic cancer in December 2012, and my mother has been declining since then. I think my Dad covered for her a lot when he was alive. While caring for him, my brothers and I noticed my mother struggling with her memory as well as being "out of it" when it came to issues with my Dad. She was diagnosed with LBD shortly afterwards. We have gone from her staying by herself only during the day to someone having to stay with her full-time. She let a girl into her home and gave her money. She wants to stay in her home, and we are trying to make that possible for as long as we can. So now we have several caregivers who stay with her during the day and weeknights; my brothers and I stay with her on the weekends. Within the last month, she is sleeping about 18-20 hours per day about every other day. She says her grandmother is constantly with her, and my Daddy and Grandmother visit occasionally. She also sees her grandchildren. She even talks to empty chairs when I am with her, thinking I am sitting in the chair. Her speech has begun to slur somewhat, and she has a shuffling gait. Will her constant sleeping cause her to decline more rapidly, and bring on the infections more quickly that will lead to her death? Thank you for this BLOG. So helpful to speak with others going through this with their loved ones.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sorry about your mom--she is fortunate to have you and your brothers. You asked about sleeping ... it is normal to sleep so much towards the end. You might talk to her doctor, but it probably is nothing to worry about. Just as her hallucinations are not. In fact, it sounds like they might even be comforting to her.

      Delete
  17. Joy
    I'm really moved by the kind counsel you are giving to so many hurting people. Never thought I would be writing, or even reading this blog!... But sadly enough I think the time has come.

    I have been noticing changes in my husband's behavior for a very long time. He is a brilliant man that has had three psychotic breaks. The first one in 1997, the second one during the 9/11 attack, and the last one in 2003. He is bipolar, and after many failed meds., he talked to his PCP to prescribe Lithium. That was the only medicine that actually worked.
    But regardless of how much it helped, he has always had very unusual behavior. I never know what I'm dealing with. Is this a guy thing? A bipolar thing or just him?

    About five years ago, things got to a whole new level. I spoke to his doctor and she referred him to a neuro-psychiatrist.
    After a very long interview and MRI's his conclusion was that there was most definitely signs of dementia "most likely Alheimers."

    Of course it was devastating for me, but he cope with it by saying that the tests were negative, so there was nothing wrong with him. (exactly the opposite the doctor said)

    Just a few days ago, I watched a show about the forensic studies done on Robin Williams and for the first time I heard about LBD. I was shocked. His symptoms are very consistent with those mentioned in the program. The sleep disorder, the incontinence, the "disconnect," depression, and flat affect... The spontaneous anger bursts, the passivity in his body... Except for the tremors and hallucinations, actually until tonight when he told me "the strange things he sees as he is waking up". That was what prompted me into doing some more research on it.

    The one thing I don't understand is that at times he can be as brilliant as he used to be. I never know what to expect, although most of the time, he hibernates.
    Is there any correlation between the bipolar condition and this type of dementia. Could he have been having this for years, and never been diagnosed? Specially because he is so smart and cand manage it so well?

    I'm aware you would not be "diagnose" him, but do you have any thoughts about it?

    Thank you so much for even reading this long story...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joy, Welcome to a club that no one wants to belong to but few would leave even given the chance. As a caregiver, your journey will often be devastating but one blessing is that as the disorder advances, apathy joins the party and makes it much easier for your loved one. I wonder if that may not be part of the way, besides denial, that your husband is coping.
      Yes, your husband's symptoms, including his fluctuating cognition, are very similar LBD symptoms. I don't know of a correlation between LBD and bipolar disorders, but neurological conditions often appear together. I haven't heard of Lithium working with LBD but it is often helpful with bipolar disorders. Bipolar is common at a younger age than LBD is and it does have some similarities. One similarity is that it can advance to dementia too. I'm not familiar with the specific symptoms.
      If you really want to know if LBD is present, go to a geriatric psychiatrist or a neurologist who specializes in dementia. They are more likely to recognize LBD. A LBD diagnosis alerts physicians to be more careful with the drugs they prescribe. If you are comfortable not knowing for sure, then make it a point to learn about the drugs that people with LBD can be sensitive to and avoid them--just in case.
      Finally, our latest book, Managing Cognitive Issues in Parkinson's and Lewy Body Dementia, addresses the symptoms leading up to LBD and some ways to manage it (and the symptoms you name, no matter what their cause) with fewer drugs. It's available on our website, LBDtools.com and on Amazon. I'd also suggest anything by Teepa Snow, who also teaches ways to manage symptoms with fewer drugs.

      Delete
  18. My wife just died this Tuesday, 1-26-2016 of Parkinson's/Lewy Body Dementia. She went through a very arduous journey (as did I).
    Her first dementia symptom that was recognizable was the experience of hallucinations, mostly of relatives and children. At first, she could be told they were not there and she could believe they were hallucinations. As time went on, they became her world and she could not discern the difference between them and the real world. This made communications very difficult.
    As the disease progressed she lost weight, her balance was poor, and she was incontinent.
    Her sleep pattern became very unusual - she would sleep from 9PM to about 4AM, then be wide awake until after breakfast. Then she would go back to sleep until about lunch time, and again from 2PM until supper time.
    At the same time her communication capability was vastly decreased - low volume voice, often nonsense statements, poor hearing.
    As the end approached (Her last week) she slept 20+ hours a day, took in no food, and did not become lucid if awakened. The last two days she was unresponsive and her various body systems were shutting down. In the last 8 hours of her life, her arms and legs became cold (no blood circulation) and her face color became more gray. Her breathing was variable but shallow. At the end, her breathing gradually slowed until it became non-existant and her heart stopped.
    I never even got to say a final goodbye unless the theory that she could understand even while unconscious is true.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sorry to hear of your loss, my mother has the same disease. It has been difficult to wrap my brain around what is happening and how long, how long do we have..if you don't mind me asking, approx. how long did your wife have symtoms?

      Delete
    2. Sorry to hear of your loss, my mother has the same disease. It has been difficult to wrap my brain around what is happening and how long, how long do we have..if you don't mind me asking, approx. how long did your wife have symtoms?

      Delete
  19. Hello. I just happened on this blog. I never have written anything down as I am about to do. I am at my wit's end. I have cared for my Mother who is 94 for years. She was diagnosed with LBD about 5 years ago, however, the symptoms were present about 2 years prior. The doctors thought I was the crazy one. Well now, let's fast forward. I work full time as a legal RN working many hours at the office. I come home to more work not rest relaxation, conversation, or peace. I come to messes, confusion, meanness. It goes on and on. Bed time is suppose to come about 700 pm, but sleep does not come untl 200 am or later. I get up at 400 for work. I get very little no sleep. I have no help from any family or friends. In fact, no one comes around anymore. I have not been away from the house other than work for years. I am tired, bone tired, irritable, resentful. Sometimes very angry at the whole situation that I am saddled with. All I get is... ah she does not know what she is doing. You are blessed to be able to do this. Or they say sell your home and put her in a nursing home... but they all forget where am I to live. All the money is pretty much gone. She is in hospice, but they don't help, because they do not know how deal with it. I try not to use medications, as they are more disruptive than helpful. I am trying to use essential oils as many articles gives information of usefulness. Bottom line. I am tired, frustrated... and no further words can describe where I am. But.... I am someone.. not just a caregiver. I have no support and can't go anywhere to a group, it cost money... money that is needed for care. Sorry for ranting...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sometimes ranting can be therapeutic. You have the right.

      Delete
  20. I surely understand..my husband was dx with pd 12 yrs ago..the Las five yrs were awful..demanding..depression and nightmares tied to the house..finally after having 2 psychotic episodes including attacking me..was sent to mental facility..has been in memory care facility for year..costly and getting worse..every day seems different..no peace ..there are worse things than death..the mind is gone..heart is,strong..sad

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am an only child who lived 500 miles from my parents since the age of 17. We were not estranged, just responsible circumstances. They were wonderful long distance grandparents to my children, spending weeks at a time with each of them during school vacations. My father died at age 80 in 2003, and my mother continued to live alone in their home. She had an active life. Her dog, her bridges clubs, and weekly dining out events. In 2010, when I went to pick her up for a visit to my home for the Holidays, I was shocked to discover her kitchen table piled high with neglected mail. Needless to say, her visit to my house was not temporary. The easiest path was to just to keep postponing her return trip. She was diagnosed with dementia, non vascular. After 2 or 3 years, it became apparent to me that her symptoms did not seem to be consistent with Altzheimers. I found a site at the time that listed 3 core diagnostic symptoms and she exhibited the chronic runny nose, and showtime behavior. I immediately assumed she had LBD. Not that it makes any difference, I am still curious as to whether I am correct. It was her short term memory that went first, which is inconsistent with LBD; however, she has exhibited people and animal related hallucinations, as well as repeatedly insisting that people featured on catalog covers are our relatives. She sleeps 20 hours a day, getting up about every other day to eat enthusiastically, can still crack a joke, and understand enough to ask pertinent questions about TV shows or snippets of conversation that catch her ear. She can use the bathroom on her own, use a stand in shower without much assistance. She needs reminders to change clothes and in choosing them most of the time. Some days, she still takes time to do her make-up! Is this behavior more consistent with Altzheimers or LBD?

      Delete
    2. Kiki, dementias are usually mixed and so your mother could be experiences both AD and LBD. She certainly seems to have symptoms from both (short term memory loss of AD, fluctuation of abilities and hallucinations of LBD) The main reason to know what kind is because of the sensitivity to drugs that people with LBD tend to have. The rest is "deal with the symptoms" whatever causes them and enjoy the "good times."

      Delete
  21. I surely understand..my husband was dx with pd 12 yrs ago..the Last five yrs were awful..demanding..depression and nightmares tied to the house..finally after having 2 psychotic episodes including attacking me..was sent to mental facility..has been in memory care facility for year..costly and getting worse..every day seems different..no peace ..there are worse things than death..the mind is gone..heart is,strong..sad

    ReplyDelete
  22. Finding this very interesting. We had to take my 87 year old father to a geriatric psychiatric hospital this weekend. We new he has rapidly declining but the pace at which this progressing in alarming. For at least 8-12 months my father could not think of his words and get lost in his own house. He had 3 surgeries in the past 3 years which put him into a heavy state of delirium. He was able to bounce back from those but took a turn for the worse a couple of weeks ago. We called I'm hospice and they prescribed a Xanax and a narcoctic pain pill. He has not been the same since, very little sleep, extremely agitated and severe hallucinations. He does not communicate at all but will holler out please, please, help. I cannot walk on his own and he used to just 2 weeks ago. In the past there were good and bad days. Now they're are bad days and horrible days. Our plans were to take him from the psychiatric unit into an assisted living facility today actually. Unfortunately with the stage he is in, I do not think he is qualified to enter so we are looking at plan b as a long term nursing facility.

    I'm convinced he has some LBD symptoms. He has had a long history of minor hallucinations but more recently, severe hallucinations. He cannot tolerate much of any drug and wondering if the Xanax may have set him over the edge. Asking for his horses and pigs, and deceased mother while crying out in pain "oh please please help me" we have no idea what couldn help. He has had a tremor in the hard for quite some time that is now uncontrollable. He still eats well but does not communicate at all and gets extremely agitated. Maybe getting the Xanax out of his system will help. Not expecting communicate with hardly anyone. He is either zoned out sleeping or agitated and irratible. We are afraid we have lost him for,good nut are looking for long term care. He has also battled urinary tract and bladder cancer so we don't know if it's a real cancer coming back or just more,of the cognitive loss. We've come to grips he may never be home but the right next step is like.y a skilled nursing I Kmow there are no answers, we were just in hopes we know how much time dad has left with us and what we are dealing with. This desease seemms worse than death as the morning mourning progress is so long..good luck all keep each other in our prayers.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Since dementias often appear together, it wouldn't be surprising if your dad has LBD as well as something else. I'd definitely suspect the Xanax and talk to his doctor about something that is more compatible with LBD...or sometimes, trying a much lower dose works. People with dememtia don't usually need a full "normal" dose anyway. Hope this helps.

      Delete
    2. Thanks for the thoughts. My Dad passed away 3 days after I left my last post. It was a very tough time but I was blessed to be able to be by his side until the end. He lived the most amazing life of anyone I have ever personally known. He is not longer suffering and is at peace,

      Delete
    3. Sorry to hear about your dad. Take care of yourself. This is always a difficult time for a caregiver.

      Delete
  23. Today is a day for making a decision about hospice. My mom recently had c-diff infection and is on her last 3 doses of Flagyl. She sleeps between meals and has her eyes closed when she is not sleeping. She eats very little and refuses when the CNAs at the assisted living memory care facility try to feed her. She gets mad or throws her food. It is a struggle to get her to drink Ensure. She really can't communicate with us, but for the most part knows us most days we visit. She can't find her words, but sometimes can express a few things.

    She is eating very little and we wonder if it is time for hospice.

    She probably had symptoms a few years before we really noticed as she lived alone and hid them pretty well. The first big sign was when my sister would visit and stay with her she couldn't complete a task. Christmas 2013 she couldn't figure out how to put a gift card in tissue paper, put it in a bag and label it without me going back each time and explaining it. I had done her Christmas shopping for her and given her that task while my sisters and I wrapped other presents.

    I took her to a neurologist in March 2013 and Dr called it mild cognitive impairment. I wrote notes to him to read before we met, as she wouldn't admit she had an issue and didn't want to go to the dr again. He wouldn't read them before we came in so I couldn't ask the questions I wanted to in front of her.

    I talked to someone at the Alzheimer's Association that happened to go to my church. He asked if I heard of LBD. She had the chronic runny nose, shuffle, hunching, going to the bathroom often, some incontinence, and of course the memory issues. I didn't recognize that she was having hallucinations, as I think she hid them. She had said some things so not too long after reading about LBD did I realize she was having them (cats, little girls, people in her bed or room, in the same room as us, etc.).

    At the first visit with the new neurologist, I mentioned LBD and he didn't initially agree since he had not examined her before. 3 months later her standard test they do was so much worse than her first visit so he did agree with the LBD diagnosis. I cared for her for 16 months and on March 31 of this year we took her to the assisted living memory care facility where she seemed a little better using a walker for first time as we never let her walk alone whenever we could help it and she couldn't quite manage how to use the walker when we tried one at my home. She hasn't been at the facility for 3 months yet. She is now very weak so is using the wheelchair more and more and while she does occasionally use the walker, she says her legs don't work right. She needs assistance with everything (picking out clothes and dressing her, going to the bathroom, making sure she takes out her dentures, eating or she will just stare at food, and making sure she takes her pills).

    Now that she is refusing to eat much of anything, fighting the pills, and has dropped from 102 to 91 in 3 months, I am wondering if now is the time to bring hospice in. It seems obvious, but as I read through everyone else's posts, you just never know with LBD.

    Karen

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hospice is not just for the very end of life. It is for comfort during those last months. Do contact hospice. If she qualifies the extra care she gets will be very helpful for both of you. If she rallies, she can go off hospice for a while. Many people do this, with their loved ones going off and back on, maybe several times before the end. See our blog, Hospice is for Life, not Death, 6/15/13.

      Delete
    2. My mother passed away this past January at the age of 68 from complications related to her LBD. One of my regrets is not having chosen hospice earlier. This would have allowed her to have a better quality of life and more time for us to have with her. She suffered a lot before her death including several sacral decubitus ulcers resulting in bone infection and sepsis, pneumonia, C-diff infection, UTI resulting in sepsis. She ended up in an ICU, intubated, with central IV, debridement surgery. If I could go back in time, I would have chosen hospice.

      Delete
    3. Palliative care has been a God send, in my mothers case. She has been on hospice for about for about 8 months. The fact that her medications, basic essentials and medical needs are managed by a single entity and Dr. is extremely helpful. The social worker, chaplin, nurse and case managers, provide support and assistance, beyond what you might anticipate. I highly recommend hospice, as soon as your loved one meets the criteria. they will evaluate and assist you, if and when she transistons to a care facility or remains home.

      Delete
  24. My sister is 62 years old. She was never married and lived alone her whole adult life. About 5-6 years ago, we noticed that she did not want to be bothered with us unless she needed something from me or my husband. We just chalked it up to her being "all about me". She never returned our phone calls. I would call back a few weeks later and ask her why she didn't return my call and said she was "too busy". Over these years she became difficult to talk to. If she said it was black, it was black, even though it was white right in front of her. This was probably about 5 years ago. Thanksgiving of 2014 she came to my house as she always did. She was very quiet which was odd for her. She later called me at 2 a.m. that she had to come over right now. She said there were people all over her house and they were trying to kill her. I had her stay by me. Needless to say we were scared. In the morning she said she knew she was imagining it because she was staring at a picture of my husband and I and saw him turn and kiss me in the picture. She went back home and showed up 4 hours later saying there was a bomb in her car. This was the beginning of a very rough year. She has diabetes for many years. I had her going to a psychiatrist and she was on meds. Over a years time she could not dial a phone, take her medicine or eat. I would find her in bed just laying there everyday. I would try to get her showered and fed. She would just stare at me...like shark eyes...empty. It became too much on me and her. She is now in assisted living so far for six months. She was doing better but I am beginning to see signs of worsening such as not bathing, not changing her clothes, putting dirty clothes in the closet, throwing out her soiled underwear. As we look back over the years of what we thought was her quirky personality, could definitely have been the beginning of LBD. My guestimation is about 5 years back. Her memory comes and goes. She recently was in the hospital for an infection in her foot. Withing 4 days she did not remember what her assisted living apartment looked like. I'm not sure what stage of LBD she is in. I'm assuming close to advanced. Any advice or guidance from you all is much appreciated

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So sorry, Dottie, to hear about your sister. Going through this is always difficult and I think it is difficult in different ways when the person is someone you may not have always been close to...or as your sister did, kept themselves apart until the disease could not be denied.

      It sounds like you are doing everything just fine. There are few right answers! Watch the meds and avoid those most dangerous with LBD, keep the stress down, and also your expectations. If you have fewer expectations of her, she won't feel so pressured to live up to them, is what I mean. We all want our loved ones to be what they used to be and while you know, intellectually, that it can't be, sometimes, you may find yourself expecting it anyway. That's human! As for what phase she is in, it is hard to tell but yes,from what you say, I'd guess it is advanced. However, she may still have a long time before the end.

      Delete
  25. My wife has been diagnosis with LBD within the past 3 months. She has experience something was wrong for the past 4 years. Lately she has been given medicines to control her tremors. She has been taken an increase doses as per the Dr orders. She cannot stand up for more then 15 to 20 minutes before she get very shakily and start to fall. I am always around when this occurs. Went to our family Dr and fell while going to the exam room. I went for my apt the following week and as the Dr one question. She was seen by her and she was shock how fast my wife went in her health. She is having problems in remembering dates and what day it is. She stop doing crossword problems because she was not in the mood. Her shakeswhen drinking coffee and trying to eat. We have an apt with the neurologist in 4 week. I am to call them in 7 days on additional dose of the medicine. Over the past two months she has really decline and sleeping up to 15 to 18 hours a day. I love my wife dearly.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Your wife is fortunate to have you. Be sure to ask the neurologist about the additional medication for shaking that she was prescribed. It may be making her more confused and forgetful. Also, ask about low blood pressure on rising. This is common with Lewy body disorders—Parkinson’s or LBD. If she has this, it means that when your wife gets up quickly, she gets dizzy and can fall. There is medication for this that doesn’t cause more confusion, if that is what she’s got.

      Delete
  26. Never too late to make peace as long as there is breath and understanding....I went through a bitter divorce 25 years ago and now my ex has LBD....he has progressed to end stages...lives with my daughter...I still help her get him to dr. appts and do what I can....water under the bridge...he has regrets but I am fine....

    ReplyDelete
  27. Very Good information here

    Remember folks Have Your Loved ones assessed by Dr ASAP,once you notice symptoms"Don't Keep making excuses for abnormal behavior"

    My mother Would have lived longer had we (family)pushed my father into having her assessed earlier,illness/symptoms goes back several years(2001)
    Mother was rushed hospital in Feb of this year,father was still in denial after she survived surgical procedure which almost took her life.
    Hospital staff properly diagnosed LBD June 2017,was on clinical drug trials for months,quit working early Oct-2017...
    We buried mom Oct 13-2017

    Chris in Kamloops,BC Canada

    ReplyDelete
  28. My Mom has had 11 strokes from October 2016 to September 2017. In February 2017 her nueroolist diagnosis her with moderate dementia. She rapidly declined. She went from being the life of the party buying the bar,in Puerto Rico in Sept. 2016 to do I g & falling, stroke after stroke. Walking to wheelchair to complete bed ridden. In August neurologist #3 said she had Parkinson LBS & that she "has 2 years & I'm being generous". Yes he told me this & in front if my mother! My Mother has always been feisty, you can tell she's having a good day when joking & cursing someone out for coming to see her late. Her hallucinations would be seeing people,talking to the. Feel g them touch her. Lately she barely eats, she went from 2 .eaks a day to one, to what can be barely called a meal. It's Thanksgiving & she hasn't eaten in 2 days. Her sensivity level is so sad she is so much pain, you can just touch her and she screams in pain. It's hard change her diaper because of the pain. She knows who I am, loves my daughter & always wants her here with us, which is understanding as she cares for my Mom while I'm at work. She refuses her meds sometimes & get to such a loss at what to do. When family vidits she says she's hungry but eant to wait till rhey leave to eat, so she doesnt eat. I tried forcing food in her mouth she holds it so tight. What am I'm facing, is she nearing the end?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So sorry to hear about your mom. Yes, not eating is natural as the body winds down. It doesn't need the food and has a difficult time processing it. I'd highly recommend asking for help from hospice. They can medicate your mom for pain and her sensitivity may not be so severe. At this point we aren't worrying about how the drugs will increase the dementia; we focus more on comfort. Some people feel hospice is for those only a few days away from death but that isn't so. It's goal is to help people LIVE more comfortably. Their basic rule is that a doctor must determine that the person has a life expectancy of six months. (This does not mean that the person will die in that time, but that they might.) Do contact hospice!

      Delete
  29. I am back...as I continue to struggle with this condition that has kidnapped my mother. We are going onto day 8 with no solid food. She refuses to even take puree, liquids is all she wants. She will drink a little if chicken broth, but not enough to sustain a healthy appetite. Her blood sugar is good, 130; pressure was 110 over 68. She has complained of chest pains but the nurse said today lungs sound good. Her pain is severe, do much she refuses or become very combative when attempt to bathe and change her. Her to be gets low at times, but she understands you, cognizant and will respond if she likes your question. I guess that's the vibrancy she still has in her. Her doctors are calling for a hospice evaluation as I took your advice and asked for it. Again they (pcp & neurologist) said not much we can do at this point, which begs my forever ending question why not? How do I help her, what is her expectancy now, do we have days, weeks or months?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. What a difficult time you and your mother are both having. My heart goes out to you both. Skin sensitivity and the inability to metabolize food are both signs of end of life. I couldn't possibly say how long this will take, but I'd bet on days or weeks, not months. Hospice staff will be able to give you a much better estimate. The support your mom needed from you earlier when she was fighting to stay alive is different from the support she needs from you now. That fight is over. Now, she needs you to help her be as comfortable and peaceful as possible while she goes about the business of dying. This is where hospice comes in. They are experts at pain management. They can also help you deal with this stressful time in a way that supports your mom's needs--and your own. Let me know how it goes. Helen

      Delete
    2. So sorry to hear about your mother. Couldn't say it better then the Whitsworts comments. From our experience with my Father when he was unable to eat things digressed quickly and he passed within a week. No way of knowing really knowing how long this will take. Hospice was a life saver for us and provided so much information when we had no idea what to expect. Prayers to you and your family.

      Delete
  30. I finally figured out that my Dad has LBD after caring for him for almost 2 years. He was diagnosed with Alzheimer's but after I read everything I could find in the subject, not much was matching up with his symptoms. The other day I looked up tongue thrusting, which he does on occasion and I was directed to LBD. It was like a light went on in my head- Now I can follow literature that is more in-line with his condition. My father is 92 years old and has always led a healthy lifestyle- only to end up with his terrible disease. It's so sad and I'm overwhelmed.

    ReplyDelete
  31. My 52 year old husband has just been diagnosed with LBD (I am 50). We believe this started about a year and a half ago. It has been a challenge to say the least! He is much to young for this.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Yes, 52 is so young to be diagnosed LBD. I know it's a challenge, the "rollercoaster" part has been the hardest on me. One week my Dad is fine and the next week I'm not sure if he'll be able to answer the door for lack of understanding that someone is knocking on it. I'm 60 and my dad is 92- men can be less cooperative than woman are. Maybe a wife/husband dynamic is less complicated than a father/daughter situation. My dad feels he's in charge and he'll do whatever he wants, end of story. In any case, I wish you strength and patients as you go through this journey. My heart breaks for you being so young. Just remember, everything you do for your husband shows how wonderful you are even though you might not get any credit for your efforts. Take Care, Mary

    ReplyDelete
  33. My mother is in the final stages of Lewy Body. She will turn 74 in 2 weeks if she makes it. She was diagnosed 4 years ago and was placed in a facility over a year ago. It has been a roller coaster but worth every minute of time spent with her good or bad. May God continue to bless you all. Only God knows when it's your loved ones time. In this process remember to take time for yourself. ♡

    ReplyDelete
  34. oooh i feel a bit better reading all your messages and experiences. I want to understand where my father is at. He is 80, in late stages of LBD, cant talk, not been able to walk for 2 years. Cant go to the toilet, stares into space or at the tv all the time - even when its not on, sleeps about 16 hours a day maybe more.. cant swallow a lot of the time and the list goes on.. losing weight rapidly. This thing is, he has now been out of the nursing home and in hospital for just over 1 month with golden staf. it doesn't seem to be getting better and while we get moments of my dad back, we are literally trying to keep him alive and the staf infection from getting worse. But it does not seem to be getting better. pumping him full of iron, good cells and blood, flushing things into his body trying to keep his fluids up, disease down, temperature down. Whats the point? I dont want to see him like this. Hes sat in a shitty hospital room for 16 days straight. I wanted to take him for a wheelchair outside, but his bum hurts too much to even sit in a wheelchair. How much longer does this have to go on.. my poor mother sits there everyday with no conversation and caring for him like a baby. Its heartbreaking. We've just nursed my sister to death this March with breast cancer. Does anyone have any insight to what we might expect. Will he recover and this go on for years.. or are we heading towards final stages... he is about 5 years in, since he started declining and its like he is stabilised at the nursing home and hospital as "really crap". But its a slow decline from here... any advice would be really appreciated :) . Love to everyone else watching and going through this - I have to say this is one of the cruelest diseases I have seen. I think it might even be worse than watching my sister die of breast cancer. And that was pretty bad.

    ReplyDelete