It’s sometimes referred to as LBD, sometimes DLB, depending on the genesis of the disease. It can progress in differing ways. It can begin as Parkinson’s. It may not and some patients only show the symptoms of tremors and shuffling later. Burt had very little of this. He had hallucinations, severe but not scary, inContinue reading “Symptoms?”
Tag Archives: #hallucinations
Near the end
During what proved to be Burt’s final decline, he welcomed the company of some hallucinatory friends. His first experience with hallucinations had been of little people occupying our studio apartment; that had occurred at the beginning of our run-in with Lewy and those little occupants annoyed him. Now, he was having serious, intense conversations withContinue reading “Near the end”
Alternate world
If you are living with a person with dementia and particularly this dementia, you know that your person spends much of his day in an alternate reality. There are delusions and theories that give credence to and explain them. Hallucinations are common occupants in the world of your loved one’s with LBD. Burt’s hallucinatory companionsContinue reading “Alternate world”
Fears
Paranoia is a frequent visitor as we age. I think it’s because the old know they [ok we] are vulnerable. For those with dementia there’s a greater feeling of susceptibility. Your p.w.d. may seem unaware of having a malady, but s/he senses that there is something off. Paranoia seems like a way to protect ourselvesContinue reading “Fears”
A deep dive
In the abstract, I am fascinated by the mechanisms of Burt’s disease. In reality, the manifestations of Lewy Body are overwhelmingly sad. Trying to deduce patterns is part of my close study into all things Burt. I want to see what prompts his irrational conclusions and how his fantasies develop. There probably is no pattern,Continue reading “A deep dive”
Psychosis
Cognitive function, executive function, bradyfrenia, autonomic system, bradykinesia. There are so many impairments as Lewy bodies take over, and our loved one declines. Psychoses. There’s a scary word. And those are the hardest aspects of LBD to manage. I watch out for falls. Hold onto him for dear life sometimes to maneuver him onto aContinue reading “Psychosis”
Aggression
“So,” she asked, trying to put it tactfully. “Is Burt ever, how do I say it, does he lash out?” Oh, yes, that famous Lewy Body aggressivity. It’s why an agency felt they had to deny services. Burt is, as I like to say, performatively belligerent. Of course, he is, but he does lash out.Continue reading “Aggression”
Defiance
Burt is pretty much in his own world. As long as the hallucinations aren’t scary, I am told there’s no need for me to fret. Or medicate. We shall see. The multiple mes disturb and unnerve me. Other aspects are amusing. Burt tried to send me on an errand the other night. When I said,Continue reading “Defiance”
That touch of spring
Last night Burt, thinking I was his (need I say deceased) mother said he was getting married to a girl from Carolina. He said his wife didn’t love him; she used to but it’s died out.Well, that did it! After a while, I fessed up to being his wife and said I was hurt. HeContinue reading “That touch of spring”
Hallucinations
Well, yes, it is a good thing that they’re not scary. Burt’s hallucinations are mostly benign. A group of pals and co- workers he’s gathered into our home. They make him feel connected, I think, and less alone. His dreams and delusions seem, on the other hand, to be frightening. He is always lost withoutContinue reading “Hallucinations”
this is our life 