What Is Mixed Dementia? Understanding the Conditions Behind Patrick Stewart's Diagnosis
In the official announcement of Sir Patrick Stewart's passing, it was revealed that he had experienced a "brief and poignant journey with Alzheimer's disease and Lewy body dementia."
This brought attention to two different types of dementia that can occur together.
According to Alzheimer's Society, when a person has more than one type of dementia, it is known as mixed dementia. This affects at least 1 in 10 people diagnosed with dementia. It commonly involves Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia, Alzheimer's and Lewy
body dementia, or even a combination of all three.
Mixed dementia can be difficult to identify because the symptoms sometimes overlap that they look just like those of a single type of dementia.
The Difference Between Lewy Body Dementia and Alzheimer's
Dementia is an umbrella term for a group of conditions that cause problems with memory, thinking and other cognitive abilities, affecting a person's ability to carry out everyday activities.
Alzheimer's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies are two different conditions that can cause dementia.
Both are progressive diseases, meaning that changes in the brain gradually worsen over time. Neither currently has a cure, although treatments and medications are available to help manage symptoms.
While the two conditions share some symptoms, there are differences.
1. Movement and mobility problems
One key difference is when movement problems tend to develop.
In Alzheimer's disease, difficulties with walking, balance and coordination can occur as the condition progresses, particularly in the moderate and severe stages.
In dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), movement problems can develop early. When a person develops movement symptoms first, followed later by problems with thinking, attention and alertness, it is known as Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD).
2. Hallucinations
Visual hallucinations are another important distinguishing feature.
They are common in dementia with Lewy bodies and can occur early in the disease.
A person may see people, animals or objects that aren't actually there.
Although hallucinations can also occur in Alzheimer's disease, they are generally less common in the early stages and tend to become more likely as the disease progresses.
3. Sleep disturbances
REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is more commonly associated with early dementia with Lewy bodies than with Alzheimer's disease.
People with REM sleep behavior disorder, they may physically act out their dreams by shouting, talking, punching, kicking or moving around while asleep.
A Call for Donations
In the Instagram announcement, Patrick Stewart's family also requested that people wishing to make memorial contributions do so in lieu of sending flowers.
The two organizations named were:
Johns Hopkins Alzheimer's Disease Research Center Fund
Alzheimer's Foundation of America – Caregiver Resources
The inclusion of caregiver resources is particularly meaningful. Dementia affects not only the person diagnosed but also their family members and the people who support them throughout the condition. Sources:
https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-dementia/types-of-dementia/dementia-with-lewy-bodies
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