Lewy body dementia – life expectancy and impact

Life expectancy and key factors

The life expectancy for individuals with Lewy body dementia is generally shorter than for those with Alzheimer’s, but it can vary depending on individual circumstances. On average, survival time after diagnosis is between 5 and 8 years, though many live both longer and shorter depending on several factors:

1. General health and comorbidities

As with other forms of dementia, overall health can have a significant impact on life expectancy. Individuals with other health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, or respiratory issues, often have shorter survival times. These conditions can worsen the symptoms of LBD and lead to faster disease progression.

2. Age and time of diagnosis

Older individuals diagnosed with Lewy body dementia tend to have shorter life expectancy compared to younger individuals. An earlier diagnosis can, in some cases, help slow the progression of the disease and improve quality of life through proper treatment and care.

3. Treatment and care interventions

While there is no cure for Lewy body dementia, medical treatments can help manage symptoms. Medications used for Parkinson’s disease can help with motor symptoms, and cognitive symptoms can be treated with medications also used in Alzheimer’s. Regular doctor visits, proper medication management, and rehabilitation can improve daily life and slightly extend life expectancy.

Lifestyle and care that impact prognosis

Lifestyle changes and strong support from family and caregivers can influence life expectancy and quality of life for those with Lewy body dementia. Physical activity, a balanced diet, and cognitive stimulation can help maintain functioning for a longer period. Additionally, tools to manage hallucinations and motor problems can improve the patient’s well-being.

Safety alarm with automatic fall alarm can increase safety for people with an increased risk of falling

Sensorem’s safety alarm is an example of a technical aid specially developed for people who have an increased risk of falling. The security alarm can automatically sound the alarm in the event of a fall and then call relatives using the watch’s built-in speakerphone with two-way communication. The security alarm works outdoors and has built-in GPS positioning so that relatives can see the user’s position on a map in the Sensorem app.