What is Lewy body dementia?

Lewy body dementia, also known as ‘dementia with Lewy bodies’, is thought to affect over 100,000 people in the UK and is one of the most common types of dementia after Alzheimer’s disease. Dementia is a type of progressive neurological condition (PNC) that is associated with a gradual decline in mental abilities, including difficulties with:

• Memory
• Thinking
• Language
• Problem solving

The risk of Lewy body dementia increases with age, with people over the age of 65 being more at risk of developing this condition. Lewy body dementia is an irreversible, progressive, and life-limiting illness, which currently has no cure.

Whilst research into Lewy body dementia is still ongoing, this disease is believed to be linked to abnormal clumps of protein, known as Lewy bodies, building up inside brain cells. These deposits tend to build up in areas of the brain that are responsible for functions such as language, thinking, perception, and muscle movement, which is why the associated cognitive and physical abilities are affected throughout the course of the illness. Lewy body deposits are also found in individuals who struggle with Parkinson’s disease.

Treatment for Lewy body dementia at Priory

Priory provides high quality treatment interventions that aim to maximise independence and maintain quality of life for those living with Lewy body dementia, as part of our dedicated Brain Injury Services. We can provide expert support, delivered across our specialist sites throughout the UK.

Our approaches for patients who are experiencing a PNC are based on a model of person-centred care and are aimed at minimising the impact of the behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). Our treatment approaches encompass all aspects of neurological support, including:

• Physical
• Behavioural
• Cognitive
• Emotional
• Communication
• Social

Treatment is delivered within a broad variety of environments, ranging from hospital settings to transitional living homes. We can care for patients at all stages of their condition right through to delivering bespoke end of life care support, based on individual needs and preferences. The breadth of the service allows our network to offer comprehensive care pathways, ensuring that all services have consistency in their approach and adhere to national guidelines. 

Priory is experienced in providing a range of specialist complex care services for people with Lewy body dementia. We are dedicated to supporting both the patient and family, with the intention of maximizing quality of life and maintaining functional independence for as long as possible.