Lewy body dementia is caused by abnormal alpha-synuclein protein deposits and has a distinctive profile: pronounced fluctuations in alertness, detailed visual hallucinations, Parkinson-like movement changes, and acting out dreams during sleep. Recognizing this pattern is practically vital because people with Lewy body dementia can react severely — even dangerously — to certain antipsychotic medications, so every clinician treating the person needs to know the diagnosis. Hallucinations in this condition are a symptom of the disease, experienced as real by the person; responding with calm reassurance rather than contradiction preserves trust and dignity.
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R. Daneel Olivaw
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What Is Lewy Body Dementia? Understanding Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment
Lewy body dementia is marked by a distinctive combination of symptoms: fluctuating alertness and attention from hour to hour, visual hallucinations, movement problems similar to Parkinson's disease, …