Diffuse Lewy Body Disease - Alzheimer's Disease & Dementia Message Board

redy67 · 03-25-2005, 12:31 PM

My father was diagnosed with this about 18 months ago. For those of you who don't know what it is, simply it is a cross between Parkinsons and Alzheimers.

It is extraordinarly tough for my mother as she is the sole caregiver. They live across country from me, have no desire to relocate, and unfortunately it is not an option for my family right now.

I am curious if anyone out there is familiar with this disease since it is fairly new to the medical field and there is not much about it.

angel_bear · 03-25-2005, 05:00 PM

My MIL's Geriatrician mentioned it, one of the various but rapidly growing strains of Dementia/Alzheimers .. don't know much about it, however, do a ****** search, I am sure you'll find lots !!! by the way, the geriatrician said ultimately it doesn't matter exactly what they've got.. they need nursing home care sooner rather than later ...

He was a bit of a doom and gloom expert .. LOL

Hugs .. & Goodluck

Sally

SiestaDrew · 03-29-2005, 12:15 PM

Not to be a critic but it is called dementia with Lewy bodies---DLB--they all seem to have inititals---guess just easier. I agree with Mustang Sally, dementias in the end are the same, he will need care. I also agree to ****** it, you will find much info on it. Just do "Lewy body. The one big difference is that people with DLB seem to have more hallucinations which is why Mayo ruled my husband out of it.

Congrats to your dad's doctor, most do not know about it!!! You are lucky cuz there are differences.

redy67 · 04-12-2005, 10:46 AM

Thank you for your support! My dad just visited and he seems to be in very good health, with no signs of the Alzheimers part of the disease.

For those of you with loved ones "further down the path" any recommendations on how to get someone in to help? My dad is not at the point that he needs a nurse, but I know my mom really needs someone to help her get him dressed, shave, etc.

LuvMyLilDoggie · 04-12-2005, 11:51 AM

Hi Redy! If your dad is a senior, you can look up your local senior services center and call them. Or you can do an internet search A great site is [url]www.alzheimers.org[/url]

The type of care available unfortunately depends a lot on the person's income. Many people make too much money to qualify for services even though they really don't make enough to live off of. And how much the person owns or has in the bank or stock has a lot to do with it too.

Check out that alzheimers website and others. And keep coming back here.

Barb