Lewy Body Phrase for 10-26: Preventative Therapies

We can sometimes prevent behaviors and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) by:

Controling the environment:

• Avoid clutter, crowds, loud noises and bright lights and extremes.
• Use routines, rituals, transitional cues and familiarity.

Preventing infections:

• Monitor for symptoms and treat early
• Use healthy living practices
• Avoid pressure sores

Manage pain:

• Monitor for non-verbal cues suggesting pain
• Treat early, first with non-drug options
• When using drugs, choose the mildest possible
• Consider medical marijuana

Tomorrow's phrase: Healthy living practices

For more information about Lewy body disorders, read our books:
A Caregivers’ Guide to Lewy Body Dementia
Managing Cognitive Issues in Parkinson's and Lewy Body Dementia

Helen and James Whitworth are not doctors, lawyers or social workers. As informed caregivers, they share the information here for educational purposes only. It should never be used instead of a professional's advice.

Genes and Environment

These last few blogs about research have impressed us with the importance of the recognition of dementia risk. For some time it has been possible for someone with a family history of AD to be tested and find out if they are also likely to develop the disorder eventually. Many people don’t do this. They say, “Why should I? Alzheimer’s is not curable and so knowing ahead will only be depressing.” People with Parkinson’s or at risk for LBD would say similar things. They didn’t want to know what was ahead. They used to have a point. But not anymore.

Researchers now say that it takes two things for dementia to develop: the right (or wrong) genes and a “toxic” environment. While we are still learning what both of these mean, the biggest lesson for right now is that it does take both. Even if you have the genes, dementia is not a sure thing. When I was a substance abuse counselor, I worked with Alaska natives who, as a group, have a strong genetic tendency for alcoholism. They were well aware of this and many avoided becoming alcoholics by choosing not to drink. People with the genetic makeup for dementia can also make lifestyle choices that limit their chances of developing their gene-related disorder. Even if a person already has early signs of dementia, it isn’t too late to make these lifestyle changes and see results. However, if you wait until the dementia is full-blown, all bets are off. Yes, you can still decrease the severity of the symptoms and improve quality of life, but that’s about all. It is like a cancer that has become “inoperable.”

Concerning genes, researchers are learning what genes mandate eventual dementia and what genes mandate LBD specifically. We know a lot more about this than we did a few years ago, but it is still mostly in the hands of the researchers. It isn’t much help for the average person—yet. As far as LBD is concerned, the best guide at present is still to look at the symptoms. If you have REM sleep behavior disorder, Parkinson’s or mild cognitive impairment, you are at risk for eventual dementia. If you have hallucinations, the dementia is close.

The second requirement for dementia is a toxic environment. As with genes, researchers are still exploring what this means. They do know that people who grew up around herbicides and pesticides are more at risk for dementia than those who didn’t. Preservatives with nitrates and nitrites have also been identified as possible toxins, as have heavy metals such as mercury. Air pollution from factory emissions and even smog have been linked to cognitive dysfunction.

So what can we do? We can’t choose our parents. Our genes are what they are. We can’t change our childhood. Where we grew up is in the past and like our genes, it is what it is. But we can change our present and our future.

• Live a healthy lifestyle. A Mediterranean type diet, adequate fluids and sleep have been shown to decrease the risks of dementia, and may slow—or stop--the growth early stage dementia.

• Avoid toxins. While you may have lived around toxins in the past, it still isn’t too late to avoid known or suspected airborne, dietary or other toxins and decrease your risk for eventual dementia.

In addition, you can make your body stronger and better able to battle invading dementia by:

• Challenge yourself physically and mentally. Challenges should be interesting but not overwhelming. That’s when they get stressful and destructive.

• Be social. Developing and maintaining meaningful relationships is as important as mental stimulation.

• Be positive. Make being positive a daily goal. Look for the silver linings and reframe thoughts into positive expressions.

• Relax. Meditating, deep breathing and practicing regular stress reduction exercises all revive the body and keep it working well.

• Have fun. Laugh and do activities that you love. Live in the now and enjoy life as it is.

Read more about all of the above and more in our latest book, Managing Cognitive Issues in Parkinson’s & Other Lewy Body Disorders. Yes, these suggestions take a lot more time and effort than swallowing a pill or even having surgery or undergoing some other medical treatment—but they will likely be more effective too! There could be a blog for everyone of the above items. Well, there have been blogs in the past about some of these and there will definitely be more in the future.

For information about Lewy body disorders, read our books:

A Caregivers’ Guide to Lewy Body Dementia

Managing Cognitive Issues in Parkinson’s & Other Lewy Body Disorders

Keeping a Healthy Brain

Living a healthy lifestyle is important for both caregiver and loved one. Many of the same things that keep you physically healthy also keep your brain healthy.

Get active. Physical activity reduces the risk of dementia. If dementia should appear, physical activity keeps the mind working better longer. Even with severe dementia, exercise is important—“better than any dementia drug,” experts say. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate activity five or more days per week.

Exercise your brain. The brain is a muscle and it needs to be exercised and challenged too. Mental activities like puzzles and games, taking new classes, and traveling to new places all appear to slow down memory loss. As dementia increases, the challenges change from doing new things to maintaining old skills. However, the need for challenge continues.

Eat healthy. Include fatty acids, colorful fruits and vegetables, and the right supplements in your diet. Many studies have found that a Mediterranean-style diet based on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, olive oil, and fish is good for protecting against dementia. It may also decrease symptoms once dementia is present. For more about nutrition, read this blogs LBD and Nutrition five part series, starting 95/13, or either of the Whitworth books.

Maintain your friendships. Staying socially active appears to be as important as mental activity. We are social animals and we tend not to do as when we are isolated. Find ways to get out and visit with others regularly. Find someone to sit with your loved one at least once a week so you can get out with others. This serves a double purpose. Your loved one needs to socialize with someone besides you too. When you can’t get out, use the telephone and internet to make contact with others.

De-stress. Tension, anxiety, and worry become toxins to the brain dealing with even early dementia. They slow it down and increase other LBD symptoms. Do everything you can to make your family’s life calm and stress-free.

Go Alternative. Use alternative therapies instead of drugs whenever possible, especially for stress management and acting out. These are safer and often much more effective. An added benefit is that they usually include personal attention. For example, a relaxing massage can not only de-stress but also be a form of communication as can applying a soothing topical oil to decrease joint pain. Singing can include the whole family. And pets can be something to talk about as was as an ever-present sources of comfort.

Find more about LBD in The Caregiver's Guide to Lewy Body Dementia and Managing Cognitive Issues in Parkinson’s and Other Lewy Body Disorders, available on LBDtools.com.