7 Hidden Signs of Lewy Body Dementia Most People Overlook

Lewy Body Dementia (LBD), a neurological condition, is often misunderstood and complicated. Despite being the second most prevalent form of progressive dementia after Alzheimer’s, many people remain unaware of its early warning signs. Identifying LBD’s early signs can be challenging due to their resemblance to other illnesses like Parkinson’s or mental disorders. To better understand the condition, support your loved ones, and seek help promptly, we’ll highlight seven often-overlooked signs in this article.

What Is Lewy Body Dementia?

The accumulation of aberrant protein deposits in the brain known as Lewy bodies is what causes Lewy Body Dementia. These proteins impair both cognitive and motor abilities by interfering with brain cells’ normal function.

How LBD Differs from Other Dementias:

• It includes hallucinations and movement symptoms earlier in the disease.
• It causes fluctuating alertness, unlike the steady decline often seen in Alzheimer’s.
• It may also trigger REM sleep behavior disorder years before other symptoms appear.

You can learn more at the Lewy Body Dementia Association (LBDA).

7 Early Warning Signs of Lewy Body Dementia Most People Miss

Let’s break down the signs that often go under the radar yet can be crucial for early diagnosis and better care.

1. Visual Hallucinations

One of the most distinctive early signs of Lewy Body Dementia is seeing things that aren’t there and these hallucinations tend to be detailed and vivid.

Examples:

• Seeing children, animals, or strangers in the room
• Believing objects are moving when they aren’t
• Often being aware that the hallucinations aren’t real

These hallucinations can appear years before a diagnosis, and they’re one of the first red flags that set LBD apart from Alzheimer’s.

2. Sudden Fluctuations in Alertness and Attention

Pay attention if someone appears to be mentally sharp in the morning but confused or dazed by the afternoon. Cognitive function fluctuations can occur over minutes, hours, or days and are common in LBD..

What to Watch For:

• Zoning out or staring blankly for long periods
• Difficulty following conversations, then suddenly regaining clarity
• Episodes of unresponsiveness without a clear cause

These shifts can be mistaken for laziness, depression, or even mini-strokes.

3. Parkinsonian Symptoms Without a Parkinson’s Diagnosis

Many people with LBD experience Parkinson-like movement issues, including:

• Muscle stiffness or rigidity
• Shuffling walk
• Tremors
• Slowed movement (bradykinesia)

But unlike Parkinson’s disease, these symptoms may appear alongside cognitive changes, which is a key difference.

4. REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD)

This is one of the most specific early indicators of Lewy body dementia. Because their bodies don’t remain motionless during REM sleep, people with RBD sometimes act out their dreams violently.

Common Signs:

• Kicking, punching, or yelling in sleep
• Falling out of bed
• Vivid, intense dreams

This can start years or even decades before memory problems appear, making it a powerful predictive symptom.

5. Difficulty with Problem-Solving or Decision-Making

People in the early stages of LBD often struggle with executive functions like planning, reasoning, or multitasking.

Examples Include:

• Taking a long time to make simple choices
• Trouble organizing tasks (like cooking or managing bills)
• Getting overwhelmed by multiple instructions

Unlike Alzheimer’s, which initially targets memory, LBD tends to affect complex thinking first.

6. Depression or Anxiety That Seems Out of Character

Emotional changes can appear before any clear cognitive symptoms. New or worsening depression, anxiety, or apathy may signal LBD developing in the background.

Look For:

• Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
• Increased irritability or paranoia
• Feelings of worthlessness or fear without clear cause

Because these symptoms are common in many mental health conditions, they’re often overlooked or misdiagnosed.

7. Extreme Sensitivity to Certain Medications

People with LBD often react poorly to antipsychotic drugs, especially older types like haloperidol. These medications can trigger:

• Sudden confusion
• Worsening movement problems
• Life-threatening reactions in some cases

This sensitivity is so distinctive that it can help differentiate LBD from other types of dementia.

👉 The FDA and LBDA both advise extreme caution when prescribing these medications to patients suspected of having LBD. Learn more here: LBDA Medication Safety

Why Early Detection Matters

Recognizing these early signs of Lewy Body Dementia is critical for:

• Accessing the right treatments
• Avoiding dangerous medications
• Planning ahead for medical, financial, and caregiving needs

Although there’s no cure, early intervention can significantly improve quality of life for both the individual and their loved ones.

Conclusion

Lewy Body Dementia is a complex condition, and its early symptoms are often brushed off, misdiagnosed, or misunderstood. By learning to recognize the early warning signs of Lewy Body Dementia, such as hallucinations, movement issues, REM sleep disturbance, and sudden cognitive fluctuations, you can take proactive steps toward better care and earlier diagnosis. If you or someone you love is showing these signs, consult a neurologist or dementia specialist to explore the next steps.

Also read, Excessive Sweating? One Hidden Mineral Deficiency Could Be the Cause.