Dementia with Lewy bodies - Treatment

Treatment-Dementia with Lewy bodies







There's currently no cure for dementia with Lewy bodies, but there are treatments that can help manage the symptoms.

Care plans

Before treatment starts, your current and future health and social care needs will be assessed and a care plan drawn up.
This is a way of ensuring you receive the right treatment for your needs. It involves identifying areas where you may need some assistance, such as:
  • what support you or your carer need for you to remain as independent as possible, including whether you might need care at home or in a nursing home
  • whether there are any changes that need to be made to your home to make it easier to live in
  • whether you need any financial assistance
Read more about care plans.

Medication

Medication can't stop dementia with Lewy bodies getting worse, but for some people it can help reduce some of the symptoms.

Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors, such as donepezil (Aricept), rivastigmine (Exelon) and galantamine (Reminyl), may help improve hallucinations, confusion and sleepiness in some people.
These work by increasing levels of a chemical called acetylcholine in the brain, which improves the ability of the brain cells to send signals to each other.
Common side effects include feeling and being sick, diarrhoea, headaches, tiredness and muscle cramps.

Memantine

This medicine is not an AChE inhibitor. It works by blocking the effects of an excessive amount of a chemical in the brain called glutamate.
Memantine is used for moderate or severe dementia with Lewy bodies. It's suitable for those who cannot take or are unable to tolerate AChE inhibitors.
Side effects can include headaches, dizziness and constipation, but these are usually only temporary.
For more information about the possible side effects of your specific medication, read the patient information leaflet that comes with it and speak to your doctor.

Other medications

Other medications that may help control some of the symptoms of dementia with Lewy bodies include:
  • levodopa – this can help with movement problems, but it can also worsen other symptoms and needs to be carefully monitored by your doctor
  • antidepressants – these may sometimes be given if you're depressed 
  • clonazepam – this can sometimes help if you experience a particular type of disturbed sleep called rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behaviour disorder
  • antipsychotics (such as haloperidol) – these may help with severely challenging behaviour that's putting you or others at risk of harm, but they can cause serious side effects and should be avoided whenever possible

Support and other therapies

In addition to medication, there are a number of therapies and practical measures that can help make everyday living easier for someone with dementia.
These include:
  • occupational therapy to identify problem areas in everyday life, such as getting dressed, and help work out practical solutions
  • speech and language therapy to help improve any communication or swallowing problems
  • physiotherapy to help with movement difficulties
  • psychological therapies, such as cognitive stimulation (activities and exercises designed to improve memory, problem-solving skills and language ability)
  • relaxation techniques, such as massage, and music or dance therapy
  • social interaction, leisure activities and other dementia activities, such as memory cafes (drop-in sessions for people with memory problems and their carers to get support and advice)
  • home modifications, such as removing loose carpets and potential trip hazards, ensuring the home is well lit, and adding grab bars and handrails
It may also be helpful to get in touch with a support group, such as The Lewy Body Society, the Alzheimer's Society or Dementia UK.
Read more about living well with dementia.

Help and advice for carers

If you care for someone with dementia, you may find it helpful to read more about:
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