Diseases and Conditions
Lewy body dementia
Overview
Symptoms
Causes
Risk factors
Complications
Diagnosis
Treatment
Lifestyle and home remedies
Alternative medicine
Coping and support
Preparing for an appointment
Lifestyle and home remedies
Symptoms and progression are different for everyone with Lewy body dementia. Caregivers and care partners may need to adapt the following tips to individual situations:
- Speak clearly and simply. Maintain eye contact and speak slowly, in simple sentences, and don't rush the response. Present only one idea or instruction at a time. Use gestures and cues, such as pointing to objects.
- Encourage exercise. Benefits of exercise include improvements in physical function, behavior and depression. Some research shows exercise might slow cognitive decline in people with dementia.
- Provide mind stimulation. Participating in games, crossword puzzles and other activities that involve thinking skills might help slow mental decline in people with dementia. Encourage artistic and creative activities, such as painting, singing or making music.
- Create opportunities for social activity. Talk to friends. Participate in religious services.
- Establish bedtime rituals. Behavior issues can worsen at night. Create calming bedtime rituals without the distraction of television, meal cleanup and active family members. Leave night lights on to prevent disorientation.
Limiting caffeine during the day, discouraging daytime napping and offering opportunities for daytime exercise might help prevent nighttime restlessness.