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Lewy Body Dementia

Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) is a progressive disease marked by brain changes that result in problems with thinking, movement, and behavior.1 It is the third most common cause of dementia. LBD commonly occurs in people over the age of 50, but it can also impact younger adults too.

There are two types of LBD, both are caused by the same underlying brain changes. Signs and symptoms related to both types of LBD tend to overlap. However, they usually differ in the order in which signs and symptoms begin.

  • Dementia with Lewy bodies usually begins thinking problems and visual hallucinations.1,2 Gradually, people start to experience movement problems, such as trouble walking.
  • Parkinson’s disease dementia begins with movement problems followed by challenges in thinking and behavior. Over time, a person diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease may develop Parkinson’s disease dementia.3 However, not everyone with Parkinson’s will develop dementia.

What causes Lewy body dementia?

LBD is linked to an abnormal buildup of a protein called alpha-synuclein in the brain.1 This buildup forms clumps called Lewy bodies and impacts areas of the brain involved with thinking, movement, and behavior. The specific cause of LBD remains unknown. Researchers are still trying to understand what factors cause Lewy bodies to form.

Who is at risk?

Age is the greatest known risk factor for LBD, mainly affecting people aged 50 or older.1 LBD is also more common among men than women. Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep disorders and a family history of LBD or Parkinson’s disease may also increase the risk for LBD.

What are the signs & symptoms of Lewy body dementia?

LBD primarily affects the parts of the brain responsible for movement, thinking, and behavior.1 One of the most common signs of LBD are visual hallucinations which occur in more than 80% of cases. Other signs and symptoms can include1,2:

  • Dizziness
  • Memory Loss
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Sleep disorders
  • Bladder control problems
  • Problems with walking or balance

If you or someone you care about start to notice signs and symptoms of LBD, talk to a doctor as soon as possible.

How is Lewy body dementia diagnosed?

There is no single diagnostic test for LBD.4 Doctors can review an person’s medical history and perform a series of tests like blood tests or brain scans to help determine a diagnosis. In the early stages, it can be hard to distinguish LBD from Alzheimer’s disease since brain changes linked to these diseases often occur together.1

Getting an early diagnosis can help people and their families find the resources and support they need to live with the LBD.

How is Lewy body dementia treated?

There is no cure or treatment to stop the progression of LBD.2 Treatment approaches for LBD largely depend on the symptoms and may include medications, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and counseling.4

Work with your doctor and care team to find the treatment plan that works best.

References

  1. National Institute on Aging (2021). What Is Lewy Body Dementia? Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-lewy-body-dementia-causes-symptoms-and-treatments
  2. Alzheimer's Association. (2023). Lewy Body Dementia. https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-dementia/types-of-dementia/lewy-body-dementia
  3. Alzheimer's Association. (2023). Parkinson's Disease Dementia. https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-dementia/types-of-dementia/parkinson-s-disease-dementia
  4. Lewy Body Dementia Association. (2023). Diagnosis and Prognosis. https://www.lbda.org/diagnosis-and-prognosis/
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