Lewy Body Dementia

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What Is Lewy Body Dementia?

Lewy body dementia, also known as dementia with Lewy bodies, is the second-most common type of neurodegenerative dementia after Alzheimer’s disease. Protein deposits, called Lewy bodies, develop inside the brain’s nerve cells. The condition impacts thinking, memory, behavior, and movement, and results in a progressive decline in mental function.

Family history of Lewy body dementia or Parkinson’s disease, as well as age 60 and up and a male gender identification at birth are common risk factors.

The specialists at Norton Neuroscience Institute Memory Center have the experience and expertise to precisely diagnose Lewy body dementia and other types of dementia and neurological conditions. Our providers are at the leading edge of advances in this rapidly developing field to help slow the progress and manage dementia symptoms.

More patients in Louisville and Southern Indiana trust Norton Neuroscience Institute with their neurological care than any other provider in the area. Patients find a comprehensive range of board-certified specialists who provide a diversity of viewpoints to develop a customized care plan for each patient.

Lewy Body Dementia Symptoms

Lewy body dementia can appear similar to Alzheimer’s disease with changes in memory. Patients with Lewy body dementia also may develop vivid hallucinations. The hallucinations are most often visual representations of people or animals.

Lewy body dementia symptoms may fluctuate significantly from moment to moment or day to day. A patient with Lewy body dementia may be able to perform a routine task one moment, forget how the next moment, then remember. This can be confusing and perhaps frustrating for caregivers.

Many will develop physical symptoms such as slowed movements, stiffness and changes in walking and balance similar to Parkinson’s disease. Some with Lewy body dementia also will have episodes of syncope, or fainting. Lewy body dementia often coexists with Alzheimer’s and is typically treated in the same way.

Lewy Body Dementia Support

Dementia with Lewy bodies can be extremely difficult for both the patient and caregivers. The Norton Neuroscience Institute Resource Center offers educational, therapeutic, support and exercise programs free of charge. Patient navigators are on staff to help patients and families. Patient navigation services are free and available as often as needed.

The center can assist individuals and their families with:

  • Access to medical care
  • Prescription assistance
  • Disability
  • Employment concerns
  • Vocational rehabilitation
  • Transportation issues
  • Financial challenges
  • Nutritional counseling

Care That’s Focused on You

It’s part of Norton Neuroscience Institute’s goal to care for the whole person, not just the condition.

  • Norton Neuroscience Institute Resource Centers offer ways to improve your access to care, provide valuable information on managing your disease and address your quality-of-life issues. The Norton Healthcare Foundation funds this important service, so patients don’t need to pay.
  • Dedicated patient navigators can help schedule follow-up appointments, coordinate prescription assistance, create customized diet plans and provide guidance on disability benefits, housing, financial and employment concerns, and more.
  • Patients can access support groups, exercise classes and other educational events to connect with others and learn how to make the most of life while managing a neurologic condition. 
  • Access an on-demand video library of educational content across a variety of condition-related topics.
  • We want to help prevent illness. Get help quitting smoking and learn the signs of stroke.
  • Communicate with your provider, manage appointments, refill prescriptions and more anytime from a computer or mobile device with a free Norton MyChart account.

A Louisville Leader in Neurologic Care

More patients from Louisville and Southern Indiana seek their neurology and neurosurgery care from Norton Neuroscience Institute’s nationally recognized specialists than any other providers in the area.

Your Norton Neuroscience Institute medical provider has the expertise, experience, diagnostic tools and sophisticated treatments to provide care tailored to your needs.

  • More than 75 medical, surgical and research specialists are dedicated to providing innovative care to those with brain, spine and nervous system conditions.
  • Advanced, minimally invasive neurosurgery equipment can speed your recovery and minimize pain.
  • Multidisciplinary clinics provide easy access to care in one convenient appointment for your neurologic condition, with specialists in oncology, cardiology, orthopedics and behavioral health.
  • Norton Healthcare’s four adult-service hospitals in Louisville are certified by DNV, recognizing excellence and expertise in stroke care.
    • Norton Brownsboro Hospital is recognized as a Comprehensive Stroke Center.
    • Norton Audubon Hospital and Norton Hospital are Primary Stroke Centers.
    • Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital is an Acute Stroke Ready Hospital.
  • Norton Neuroscience Institute is at the forefront of neuroscientific research. As investigators on numerous trials, our physicians contribute to groundbreaking studies and publications in peer-reviewed journals. Also, patients may be eligible to take part in these experimental treatments. Learn more about current neuroscience clinical trials and studies.
  • The American Heart Association Get With the Guidelines stroke care program has recognized Norton Hospital and Norton Brownsboro Hospital in Louisville for exceeding national averages in getting patients in the door and administering lifesaving treatment to restore blood flow to the brain.
  • Norton Neuroscience Institute’s multiple sclerosis (MS) program has been designated a Center for Comprehensive MS Care by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
  • The National Association of Epilepsy Centers has recognized Norton Neuroscience Institute Comprehensive Epilepsy Center as a Level 4 center, providing the highest level of medical and surgical evaluation and treatment for patients with complex epilepsy.
  • Norton Neuroscience Institute Resource Center navigators help educate patients and their families about new diagnoses, available treatments and ways to manage their disease.
  • We are listed by Becker’s Hospital Review as one of 100 great neurosurgery and spine programs.

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