About 1.4 million people in New York and throughout the country experience symptoms related to Lewy body dementia, or LBD. This can lead to problems moving or remembering people or events. However, since it presents symptoms similar to those of Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease, it is not always diagnosed properly. There are many medical professionals who are not even aware that LBD exists. It is believed that a combination of genetic and other factors cause people to develop this condition.
There are several signs that a person has this condition such as changes in behavior or sleep patterns. It is possible that a person who has LBD will start to act out their dreams. It may also be hard for someone with LBD to regulate their blood pressure or control their bowel movements. Other symptoms include a lack of awareness or experiencing hallucinations.
Lewy bodies are caused by a buildup of alpha-synuclein proteins, which accumulate in areas of the brain that regulate significant bodily functions. These deposits were first discovered in the 1900s by Friederich H. Lewy. In some cases, LBD exists on its own, but in others, it will exist in conjunction with Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease. An individual may also be diagnosed with dementia with Lewy bodies.
If a patient is given an incorrect diagnosis, it could ultimately be a fatal medical error. It could also lead to an individual experiencing a worsened condition. In some cases, this may be because a person is given medicine with harsh side effects while the true condition is left untreated. An attorney may be able to review a case to determine if an error rises to the level of medical malpractice. If so, a patient may be entitled to compensation for medical bills or other damages.