There is no cure for dementia with Lewy bodies. But there are treatments that can help manage the symptoms.
Care plan for dementia
Your treatment team will create a care plan. They will assess your health and social care needs.
This is a way of making sure you get the right treatment.
Your team will look at areas where you may need help, such as:
- supports that can keep you living as independently as possible - with home care supports or in a nursing home setting
- making changes to your home to suit your needs
- your personal finances
Medicine
Medicine cannot stop dementia with Lewy bodies getting worse. But for some people it can help reduce some of the symptoms.
Some medicines can help:
- reduce symptoms of confusion or hallucinations
- reduce movement-related symptoms such as stiffness, slowness or tremor
- manage symptoms such as low mood, anxiety or disturbed sleep
Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors
Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors may help improve hallucinations, confusion and sleepiness in some people.
These work by increasing levels of a chemical called acetylcholine in your brain. This helps your brain cells to send signals to each other.
Common side effects include:
- feeling sick (nausea)
- getting sick (vomiting)
- diarrhoea
- headaches
- tiredness
- muscle cramps
Memantine
This medicine blocks the effects of a large amount of a chemical in the brain called glutamate. There is some evidence that glutamate is linked to dementia with Lewy bodies.
Memantine is used for moderate to severe dementia with Lewy bodies. It's suitable for people who cannot take AChE inhibitors.
Side effects can include:
- headaches
- dizziness
- constipation
Side effects usually do not last long.
Talk to your GP about possible side effects. Or read the information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
Non-urgent advice: Find your patient information leaflet
Your patient information leaflet is the leaflet that comes with your medicine. You can find a digital version of the leaflet online.
Other medicines
Other medicines that may help control some symptoms of dementia with Lewy bodies include:
- levodopa - this can help with movement problems but it can make other symptoms worse, so your GP will monitor this closely
- antidepressants - these may be given if you are depressed
- clonazepam - this can help if you have a particular type of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behaviour disorder
- antipsychotics (such as haloperidol) - these may help with behaviour that's putting you or others at risk of harm but they can cause serious side effects
Support and other therapies
There are some therapies and practical things you can do to make daily tasks easier for someone with dementia.
These include:
- occupational therapy to identify problem areas in everyday life - such as getting dressed
- speech and language therapy to help improve communication or swallowing problems
- physiotherapy to help with movement
- psychological therapies - activities and exercises to improve memory and problem-solving skills
- relaxation techniques - such as massage and music or dance therapy
- social interaction and leisure activities, such as visiting a dementia cafe
- home modifications - such as removing trip hazards and adding grab bars and handrails
- assistive technologies to promote independence, communication and safety
Memory technology resource rooms - understandtogether.ie
Support services
Information, advice and support is available from:
End of life and legal issues
If you have been diagnosed with dementia, you might want to make arrangements for your care.
You may want to consider:
- making an advance decision - this makes your treatment preferences known in case you're unable to do this in the future
- having a plan for where you want to receive treatment as your condition becomes more advanced
- giving someone enduring power of attorney - this lets them make decisions about you and your care if you are not able to
Content supplied by the NHS and adapted for Ireland by the HSE
