Before we begin: Lewy body dementia (LBD) is one common cause of dementia. In LBD, protein deposits build up in the brain. Read about the symptoms and what can help.
This tutorial walks you through everything you need to know about lewy body dementia. We explain it in plain language, step by step, so whether you are a student, a patient, or simply curious, you will come away with a solid understanding.
We cover what it is, why it matters, how it is diagnosed, and what you can do about it. Key facts are called out along the way.
What is Lewy body dementia (LBD)? Lewy body dementia (LBD) is one of the most common types of dementia in older adults. Dementia is a loss of mental functions that is severe enough to affect your daily life and activities. These functions include:
Memory
Language skills
Visual perception (your ability to make sense of what you see)
Problem solving
Trouble with everyday tasks
The ability to focus and pay attention
What are the types of Lewy body dementia (LBD)? There are two types of LBD: dementia with Lewy bodies and Parkinson’s disease dementia.
Both types cause the same changes in the brain. And, over time, they can cause similar symptoms. The main difference is in when the cognitive (thinking) and movement symptoms start.
Dementia with Lewy bodies causes problems with thinking ability that seem similar to Alzheimer’s disease. Later, it also causes other symptoms, such as movement symptoms, visual hallucinations, and certain sleep disorders. It also causes more trouble with mental activities than with memory.
Parkinson’s disease dementia starts as a movement disorder. It first causes the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease: slowed movement, muscle stiffness, tremor, and a shuffling walk. Later on, it causes dementia.
What causes Lewy body dementia (LBD)? LBD happens when Lewy bodies build up in parts of the brain that control memory, thinking, and movement. Lewy bodies are abnormal deposits of a protein called alpha-synuclein. Researchers don’t know exactly why these deposits form. But they do know that other diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease, also involve a build-up of that protein.
Who is at risk for Lewy body dementia (LBD)? The biggest risk factor for LBD is age; most people who get it are over age 50. People who have a family history of LBD are also at higher risk.
What are the symptoms of Lewy body dementia (LBD)? LBD is a progressive disease. This means that the symptoms start slowly and get worse over time. The most common symptoms include changes in cognition, movement, sleep, and behavior:
Dementia, which is a loss of mental functions that is severe enough to affect your daily life and activities
Changes in concentration, attention, alertness, and wakefulness. These changes usually happen from day to day. But sometimes they can also happen throughout the same day.
Visual hallucinations, which means seeing things that are not there
Problems with movement and posture, including slowness of movement, difficulty walking, and muscle stiffness. These are called parkinsonian motor symptoms.
REM sleep behavior disorder, a condition in which a person seems to act out dreams. It may include vivid dreaming, talking in one’s sleep, violent movements, or falling out of bed. This may be the earliest symptom of LBD in some people. It can appear several years before any other LBD symptoms.
Changes in behavior and mood, such as depression, anxiety, and apathy (a lack of interest in normal daily activities or events)
In the early stages of LBD, symptoms can be mild, and people can function fairly normally. As the disease gets worse, people with LBD need more help due to problems with thinking and movement. In the later stages of the disease, they often cannot care for themselves.
How is Lewy body dementia (LBD) diagnosed? There isn’t one test that can diagnose LBD. It is important to see an experienced doctor to get a diagnosis. This would usually be a specialist such as a neurologist. The doctor will:
Do a medical history, including taking a detailed account of the symptoms. The doctor will talk to both the patient and caregivers.
Do physical and neurological exams
Do tests to rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms. These could include blood tests and brain imaging tests.
Do neuropsychological tests to evaluate memory and other cognitive functions
LBD can be hard to diagnose, because Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease cause similar symptoms. Scientists think that Lewy body disease might be related to these diseases, or that they sometimes happen together.
It’s also important to know which type of LBD a person has, so the doctor can treat that type’s particular symptoms. It also helps the doctor understand how the disease will affect the person over time. The doctor makes a diagnosis based on when certain symptoms start:
If cognitive symptoms start within a year of movement problems, the diagnosis is dementia with Lewy bodies
If cognitive problems start more than a year after the movement problems, the diagnosis is Parkinson’s disease dementia
What are the treatments for Lewy body dementia (LBD)? There is no cure for LBD, but treatments can help with the symptoms:
Medicines may help with some of the cognitive, movement, and psychiatric symptoms
Physical therapy can help with movement problems
Occupational therapy may help find ways to more easily do everyday activities
Speech therapy may help with swallowing difficulties and trouble speaking loudly and clearly
Mental health counseling can help people with LBD and their families learn how to manage difficult emotions and behaviors. It can also help them plan for the future.
Music or art therapy may reduce anxiety and improve well-being
Support groups can also be helpful for people with LBD and their caregivers. Support groups can give emotional and social support. They are also a place where people can share tips about how to deal with day-to-day challenges.
NIH: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Also known as: Dementia with Lewy bodies, LBD, Lewy body disease, Parkinson’s disease dementia.
Related topics: Dementia with Lewy Bodies.
Categories: Brain and Nerves.
Source: National Institutes of Health — National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
Key Takeaways
Understanding lewy body dementia is an important part of taking charge of your health. Here is what to remember:
- Know the signs — Recognizing early symptoms can lead to earlier diagnosis and better outcomes.
- Talk to your provider — If you have concerns or a family history of this condition, bring it up at your next checkup.
- Stay informed — Medical knowledge evolves. Keep learning and asking questions.
- You are not alone — Many people deal with this condition. Support groups and educational resources can help.