Read story C06: Her usual visions, a new change (image and text)
Lewy body dementia and delirium: recognising a change from the usual pattern
Grace already has periods of variable alertness and sometimes sees things others do not. Her husband knows that today is different: she is much harder to engage and can’t manage a familiar task. The team considers delirium and other causes rather than dismissing the change as part of her usual dementia.
Story text
Panel 1. Grace has dementia with Lewy bodies. Her alertness varies; she sometimes sees things.
Panel 2.
- Daniel: This is much worse than her usual changes.
Panel 3.
- Daniel: Today she cannot follow one simple step. That’s new.
Panel 4.
- Nurse: Knowing her usual pattern helps us assess this.
Panel 5.
- Doctor: She has delirium as well. We’ll check the causes and her medicines carefully.
Panel 6. The team keeps checking for change.
Bottom band. Even when dementia fluctuates, a new change from the usual pattern needs assessment.