Signs Of Lewy Body Dementia

Depression And Apathy

The chemicals in the brain also control emotions and manage depression and apathy. The hippocampus, which produces cortisol and stores memories, is in the center of the brain. During times of physical and mental stress, the body releases cortisol, but in depression, too much is produced.

Signs of depression include loss of interest in performing activities the individual once enjoyed and overwhelming feelings of sadness and hopelessness. Individuals experience changes in appetite that cause their weight to fluctuate. They may not be able to sleep and always feel tired, their ability to make decisions and concentration becomes unstable, and they may have suicidal thoughts. Some think about death and have attempted suicide.

Many patients with Lewy body disease suffer from depression because the protein deposits grow inside nerve cells and the spinal cord. These areas control the release of neurotransmitters responsible for releasing the chemicals that monitor your mood.