Lewy Body Dementia

Treatment

Although no cure for Lewy body dementia exists, several medications and many non-medication approaches that potentially improve daily functioning and quality of life. One key to effective management is a coordinated approach to the treatment options.

Follow-up care is available at Mayo Clinic and efforts are made to coordinate care with the patient's primary or local physicians.

Some patients diagnosed with Lewy body dementia are eligible to participate in the Mayo Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (ADRC). The Mayo ADRC is one of 29 Alzheimer's disease research centers in the United States to be designated and funded by the National Institute on Aging of the National Institutes of Health.

Treatment Options

Treatment programs are tailored to each individual and take into account the needs of the patient and family, while providing state-of-the-art care and access to new developments and appropriate clinical trials.

Medication

No medications have been identified that successfully slow down or stop progression of LBD. However, many medications can improve daily functioning and quality of life for patients and their families. A physician will review which medications are most appropriate.

Education and Information

It is critical for patients with Lewy body dementia and their families to be educated and informed about the disorder.

Mayo Clinic offers patients and their families, health care professionals and community members education and the most up-to-date information about Lewy body dementia.

Education and information resources offered through Mayo Clinic include:

• The book, Mayo Clinic on Alzheimer's Disease
• Other books, videotapes and a quarterly newsletter, "Coping"
• Facilitated support groups for patients in the early stages of Alzheimer's and for caregivers
• An annual daylong conference for families and caregivers
• An annual education series, free and open to the public, on Alzheimer's and related dementia, presented by experts from Mayo Clinic and the Alzheimer's Association