In the past couple of years, there have been some exciting updates in the treatment and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s and related dementias, including new medications for Alzheimer’s and the possibility of diagnostic blood tests in the near future. Did you know that there are over 120 different types of dementia? Alzheimer’s is the most prevalent. One of the second most diagnosed types is Lewy Body Dementia.
Lewy Body Dementia symptoms include dementia with variations in cognitive ability, visual hallucinations, a REM sleep disorder, and Parkinson-like symptoms. In Lewy Body dementia, the dementia symptoms occur prior to the Parkinson-like symptoms. If Parkinson’s is diagnosed and dementia symptoms appear a year or more later, it is referred to as Parkinson’s disease dementia.
It is exciting that there are also new developments specific to Parkinson’s disease dementia treatment and Lewy Body dementia diagnosing on the horizon. Before sharing that information, however, I’d like to offer this caveat:
As a nurse, I’ve made it a part of my job to educate patients so that they feel informed enough to make the best decisions. I apply that same practice in my role as a dementia specialist as well. Patient autonomy is important. I am not someone who pushes for medications as a solution to all problems. Medications are useful with physicians’ care to monitor for side effects and drug interactions. When it comes to behavioral concerns in someone living with dementia, I advocate for attempting nonpharmacologic measures first to reduce the risk of adverse side effects.
Let’s look at what is new in Parkinson’s disease dementia medication. One of the hallmark symptoms of Parkinson’s disease dementia is psychosis. If someone is experiencing visual hallucinations, for instance, and is bothered by such, there is now an approved medication. The medication is called Nuplazid (pimavanserin). Clinical trials were stopped early on this medication because it was working so well. As always, we advise seeking the consultation of your physician before considering treatment for psychosis in Parkinson’s disease dementia.
There is also a potential new diagnostic test on the horizon for Lewy Body dementia. For this test, biopsies are taken from three areas of the body and examined. These areas are the neck/shoulder, thigh, and ankle. Researchers are currently looking at the nerve fibers in these biopsies to determine if the alpha-synuclein protein (aka Lewy Body) is present. If the protein is present, it confirms a diagnosis of Lewy Body Dementia. The results in trials of these skin tests thus far have revealed that this may indeed be a confirmed method of testing for Lewy Body dementia in the future.
Whichever type of dementia you or your loved one may be diagnosed with, we are here to help. With our Personal Consultations, you can learn more about how the type of dementia affects the brain and get help navigating your specific situation.
Lois Thomas, BSN, RN
Dementia Specialist
Learn more about personal consultations at the link below.
Sources:
www.lbda.org/new-research-supports-nuplazid-pimavanserin-use-in-parkinsons-disease-dementia
www.lbda.org/new-research-suggests-skin-test-can-detect-dementia-with-lewy-bodies