The main cause of death in individuals with Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) is typically related to the complications and secondary conditions that arise as the disease progresses. LBD is a complex and progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects multiple aspects of a person's physical and cognitive health.
The different complications and factors are commonly associated with mortality in LBD:
Infections:
Individuals in advanced stages of LBD face heightened susceptibility to infections like pneumonia and urinary tract infections. Managing these infections proves challenging due to the cognitive and motor impairments associated with LBD.
Aspiration pneumonia:
Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, is prevalent in LBD, elevating the risk of aspiration pneumonia. Inhalation of food or fluids into the lungs can lead to severe lung infections, posing life-threatening consequences.
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Falls and injuries:
Motor symptoms of LBD, including balance and gait disturbances, escalate the risk of falls and resultant injuries. Fractures, head injuries, and complications stemming from falls contribute to mortality risks.
Malnutrition and dehydration:
Progression of LBD may impede eating and drinking due to swallowing difficulties or diminished appetite, culminating in malnutrition and dehydration. Weakened immune systems amplify susceptibility to further complications.
Medication side effects:
Certain medications prescribed for LBD symptom management, like antipsychotics or specific Parkinson's disease drugs, may induce side effects affecting cardiac function or precipitating other complications.
Cardiovascular issues:
LBD's impact on the autonomic nervous system, governing blood pressure and heart rate, induces fluctuations in these vital signs and heightens the risk of blood pressure events.
Coexisting conditions:
Concurrent medical conditions such as diabetes or heart disease in individuals with LBD exacerbate overall health complications.
General decline:
As LBD advances, the decline in physical and cognitive function weakens the body's defenses against illnesses and impairs daily activities management, amplifying vulnerability to life-threatening complications.
It's vital to recognize that while these complications align closely with LBD, each person's journey with the disease is unique, leading to varying causes of mortality. Effective care and management of LBD entail a multidisciplinary approach addressing cognitive and physical dimensions to enhance quality of life and complication management.
Early diagnosis coupled with comprehensive care planning empowers individuals and families to navigate LBD challenges and make informed decisions regarding care and treatment.
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