Lewy body disease
Patients with Lewy body disease display symptoms that are reminiscent of both Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. All mental functions take place rather more slowly than before, and dealing with non-routine tasks can become very laborious. Copying patterns and processing information that is presented visually are also difficult.
One characteristic feature of Lewy Body disease is that the patient's condition tends to fluctuate as the disease progresses. So there may be significant confusion for a few days or weeks, followed by long periods of improvement.
A disturbed pattern of sleep often also occurs in Lewy body disease. This may be associated with shouting out loud and moving the arms and legs during REM sleep. Another feature is hallucinations, which the patient often describes in great detail.
In addition to the mental changes, mobility also changes in Lewy body disease. Patients walk more slowly and adopt a more stooping posture. Facial expression is also reduced. Finally, there may also be a tremor in the hands, even when completely at rest.
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