Ted Turner, the media pioneer who based NCS, lived with a situation known as Lewy physique dementia for years. He died on Wednesday at age 87.
Tributes have been pouring in online this week for the outspoken businessman whose legacy consists of his 1980 creation of NCS, the primary 24-hour, all-news TV community. A explanation for dying was not launched, the Associated Press reported. In 2018, Turner revealed that he had Lewy physique dementia, a progressive mind dysfunction that may make it troublesome to do on a regular basis actions, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
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Read on to be taught extra in regards to the situation.
What causes Lewy physique dementia?
Lewy physique dementia (LBD) is the second most typical sort of dementia, according to the Mayo Clinic. The group explains that there are two varieties of LBD: Dementia with Lewy our bodies and Parkinson’s illness dementia.
LBD could cause a decline in psychological skills that steadily worsens over time, the Mayo Clinic states, including that folks with the situation would possibly expertise visible hallucinations — that means they may see issues that aren’t there.
The situation is brought on by “abnormal deposits of alpha-synuclein proteins, called Lewy bodies, in the brain,” mentioned Dr. Brintha Vasagar, a household medication doctor.
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The Cleveland Clinic states that these proteins “damage parts of your brain that control thinking and memory.”
“Doctors and researchers don’t know why some people get LBD and others don’t,” the web site provides.
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Ted Turner photographed on a panel on September 23, 2009 in New York City. Spencer Platt through Getty Images
What are the signs of Lewy physique dementia?
The Cleveland Clinic explains that signs of LBD can range relying on the particular person, and that they could come and go. The major points embrace:
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hassle focusing/feeling confused
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melancholy/nervousness/apathy
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troubles with balancing, speech or swallowing
The web site additionally notes that folks with LBD might expertise points with their blood strain, digestion, sleep and bladder or bowel management. An early indicator of the situation could also be a lack of odor.
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Overall, the Cleveland Clinic states that signs are inclined to worsen over time.
How is Lewy physique dementia recognized?
Vasagar defined that diagnosing LBD may be difficult.
“Lewy body dementia can be difficult to diagnose because the presenting symptoms are varied, there is no definitive test, and it can be easily confused with other types of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s,” she advised HuffPost. “Your family medicine physician can help you understand if changes in your memory or movement could be due to Lewy body dementia.”
Vasagar mentioned “thorough medical history, bloodwork, brain imaging and neuropsychological testing” are all necessary elements of the analysis.
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According to the National Institute on Aging, LBD impacts males barely greater than ladies. The illness usually begins at age 50 or older, although youthful individuals might have it.
The web site additionally lists different potential danger components for LBD, like having a REM sleep behavior disorder or lack of odor.
As for whether or not LBD may be handled, Vasagar mentioned: “Unfortunately, there are no cures for Lewy body dementia.”
“But medication, physical therapy, and behavioral interventions can help control symptoms,” she mentioned. “Getting an early, accurate diagnosis is the key to maintaining quality of life.”
As all the time, contact your healthcare supplier with any questions or considerations about signs you’re experiencing.