Navigating Unchartered Waters: A Nursing Perspective on Lewy Body Dementia

Abstract

Abstract Although Lewy body dementia (LBD) is the second most common form of dementia to Alzheimer’s disease, this more rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disorder remains largely unknown to the public and is under-recognised by health care professionals. Early and accurate diagnosis is complicated by many different presentations of the disease which can include a mixture of clinical features seen in both Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD). Motor and cognitive dysfunction as well as behavioural and mood disturbance are common overlapping features. What sets LBD apart however, is the variability and unpredictability of the disease and sensitivity to conventional anti-psychotic medications The ambiguous nature of LBD places significant stress on caregivers and presents unique challenges for the long-term clinical management of the disease. This paper is aimed at raising awareness of LBD and proposing key nursing interventions to enhance both quality and length of life.