A protein called alpha-synuclein is abnormally deposited in the brain in patients with Lewy body dementia (LBD). These deposits, called Lewy bodies, affect chemicals in the brain whose changes, in turn, can lead to problems with thinking, moving, behavior, and mood. The most common type of dementia in the United States is Alzheimer's dementia. Symptoms usually appear at 50 or older, but younger individuals sometimes develop the disease. Men are more likely to suffer from LBD than women.
Symptoms of LBD begin slowly and worsen over time; the disease lasts on average five to eight years from the time of diagnosis until death, but can range from two to twenty years. In addition to overall health, age, and severity of symptoms, how quickly symptoms develop and change greatly varies from person to person.
LBD is characterized by the following symptoms:
Hallucinations of seeing things that aren't there. This is one of the first symptoms of LBD. People with LBD may see shapes, animals, or people that aren't there on a regular basis. Sound, smell and touch hallucinations are also possible.
Parkinsonian signs, such as slowed movement, rigid muscles, tremors, or a shuffling walk, can cause the person to fall.
A poor regulation of body functions. LBD affects the function of the autonomic nervous system that controls blood pressure, heart rate, sweating, and digestion. The autonomic nervous system is part of the nervous system that controls automatic functions. Standing suddenly can result in sudden drops in blood pressure, dizziness, falls, loss of bladder control, and constipation.
People with LBD may have cognitive problems similar to those of Alzheimer's disease, including confusion, poor attention, visual-spatial difficulties, and memory loss.
LBD can be accompanied by rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (REM sleep behavior disorder), which causes people to physically act out their dreams while asleep. Individuals with REM sleep behavior disorder may punch, kick, yell, or scream.
It is possible to experience episodes of drowsiness, long periods of staring into space, long naps during the day or disorganized speech.
It is possible for people with LBD to develop depression.
Loss of motivation may result from apathy.
A diagnosis of LBD can be challenging. Early symptoms can be confused with those of other brain diseases or mental illnesses. The diagnosis of LBD relies on clinical criteria that include medical history, physical examination and cognitive assessment because there is no definitive test. In order to rule out other possible causes of symptoms, brain imaging or other tests may be used.
It is a complex and serious disease that requires regular monitoring and treatment by a neurologist, who specializes in brain disorders. For patients with limited insurance coverage or high deductibles, finding a neurologist who provides personalized, affordable care can be difficult. That's where direct primary care (DPC) comes in.
Primary care physicians who practice direct primary care (DPC) are able to provide their services directly to their patients for a monthly or annual fee without using an insurance company in the middle. Upon payment of the membership fee, patients have access to a variety of primary care services, such as consultations, exams, care coordination, and some lab services.
LBD patients can benefit from DPC in many ways, including:
As a result of not having to deal with the administrative paperwork and hassles of insurance billing, DPC physicians have more time and flexibility to spend with their patients. As a result, they can offer more comprehensive and personalized care, such as longer visits, same-day appointments, home visits, telemedicine, and chronic disease management. Additionally, DPC physicians can coordinate with neurologists and other specialists to provide the best care for LBD patients.
A DPC patient pays a flat monthly fee, which covers most primary care services, including physicals, lab tests, prescriptions, and preventive care. DPC patients also save money on copays, coinsurance, and other hidden fees that are common in traditional health care models because this fee is usually much lower than the average insurance premium or deductible. For DPC fees, patients can also use their health savings accounts (HSAs) or flexible spending accounts (FSAs).
There are no surprises or hidden charges for patients because DPC physicians are upfront about their prices and services. Moreover, DPC physicians negotiate with labs, pharmacies, imaging centers, and other providers to make sure their patients get the best deal. When compared to traditional health care models, DPC patients can see exactly what they are paying for and how much they are saving.
The following services can help LBD patients improve their quality of life and outcomes:
A DPC physician can help patients understand their diagnosis, treatment options, side effects, and prognosis by tailoring their care to their specific needs and preferences. In addition to monitoring their symptoms, medication adherence, and response to therapy, they can provide support and guidance throughout their journey as well as adjust their treatment plan as necessary.
Providing preventive care: DPC physicians can help LBD patients avoid or reduce the risks of complications and infections that may worsen their condition. As well as immunizations, screenings, nutritional counseling, lifestyle coaching and wellness education, they can also assist them with managing diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease, as well as any other chronic conditions.
LBD patients can receive emotional support and counseling from DPC physicians to cope with stress and anxiety. They can also connect them with other resources and support groups that can help them cope with the psychological and social aspects of their illness.
Having a close, trusting relationship with your primary care physician is one of the main advantages of DPC. This can greatly improve your health outcomes and satisfaction.
“My DPC doctor is like a friend who also happens to be a doctor. He knows me well and cares about me as a person. He listens to me and respects my decisions. He helps me manage my LBD in a way that works for me. He is always there for me. He gives me hope and optimism about my future.”
A DPC does not replace the care provided by a neurologist or geriatrician. However, it can complement and enhance the care provided to LBD patients by these specialists. By working as a team, DPC physicians and neurologists can provide LBD patients with high-quality primary care and expert dementia care.
With the help of direct primary care (DPC), LBD patients can enjoy greater access, affordability, transparency, and personalization in their health care despite the challenges this condition poses. It is possible for LBD patients to live longer and happier lives with DPC, which helps them manage their condition better.
As Benjamin Franklin once said:
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
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