Lewy Body Dementia

What is Lewy Body Dementia?

Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) is a progressive brain disorder caused by abnormal protein deposits, called Lewy bodies, that build up inside nerve cells. These Lewy body deposits interfere with normal brain function and impact the areas of the brain responsible for thinking, memory, movement and behavior.

There are two main types of Lewy Body Dementia. They share the same underlying brain changes but differ in the timing and order of symptoms.

Dementia with Lewy Bodies

This form usually begins with changes in cognitive abilities, such as changes in thinking, attention and reasoning. It can also include movement symptoms similar to Parkinson’s Disease,

Parkinson’s Disease Dementia

Parkinson’s Disease Dementia is when patients are first diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease and later experience a decline in thinking and memory.

Who is Affected?

• LBD commonly affects older adults (age 60+)
• Men experience LBD at a slightly higher rate than women
• Parkinson’s Disease Dementia only impacts people with Parkinson’s Disease, but not everyone with Parkinson’s Disease will develop the dementia disorder.

What Are the Causes and Risk Factors of Lewy Body Dementia?

Lewy Body Dementia is caused by the accumulation of Lewy body proteins in brain cells. The exact reason for the production of these proteins isn’t known.

Uncontrollable Risk Factors

• Increasing age
• Male sex
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Family history of Lewy Body Dementia or Parkinson’s Disease

Controllable Risk Factors

• There are no know controllable risk factors

Who is Most at Risk

• Older adults
• People with Parkinson’s Disease
• Individuals with family history of LBD or related neurological conditions

What are the Signs & Symptoms

Symptoms of LBD vary from person to person and can change day to day.

Cognitive Symptoms:

• Problems with thinking, reasoning and problem solving
• Difficulty with attention and concentration
• Changes in spatial awareness and sense of direction

Movement-Related Symptoms:

• Tremors
• Shuffling gait
• Muscle stiffness or rigidity
• Slowed movement

Hallucination Symptoms:

• Visual hallucinations, often involving people, animals or shapes are common
• Non-visual hallucinations are less common, but they can include sound, smell or touch

Other Common Symptoms:

• Sleep disturbances, including acting out in dreams
• Changes in speech
• Sensitivity to temperature changes
• Reduced sense of smell

How is Lewy Body Dementia Diagnosed?

There is no single test that can definitively diagnose Lewy Body Dementia. Diagnosis is based on a review of symptoms, medical history, neurological examination and tests to rule out other possible diagnoses. Symptoms often overlap with Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease, so diagnosis can be complex.

What Tests Are Used?

• Neurological examination
• Cognitive and mental status testing
• Sleep studies (when applicable)
• Brian imaging (such as MRI or CT)
• Blood tests to rule out other diagnoses

How is Lewy Body Dementia Treated?

There is no cure for LBD. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and improving quality of life. Some medications may help slow symptom progression.

Lifestyle

• Establishing consistent daily routines
• Create safe and supportive environment
• Manage sleep habits

Devices

• Mobility aids for balance and walking
• Home safety equipment
• Adaptive devices for daily tasks

Medical

• Medications to help management cognitive symptoms
• Medications to help address movement symptoms
• Medications to help manage hallucinations or mood changes

Surgical

• There are no surgical treatments

Other

• Physical therapy to support movement and balance
• Occupational therapy to assist with daily activities
• Speech therapy for communication difficulties
• Education and support for caregivers

When to See Your Doctor

You should talk to your provider if you or a loved one experiences ongoing changes in thinking, attention, movement sleep or hallucinations. Early evaluation can help guide treatment, improve symptom management and connect patients and families to support services.

When to Seek Emergency Medical Care

Seek emergency medical care if symptoms appear suddenly or worsen rapidly, especially if accompanied by severe confusion, falls, changes in consciousness or sudden neurological changes.

If memory changes, hallucinations or other issues are impacting your life or that of a loved one, it's time to talk with your or their primary care provider. Although mild forgetfulness can happen as we age, frequent memory problems, difficulty completing familiar tasks or hallucinations are not considered a normal part of aging. Your provider can evaluate your symptoms and determine whether you would benefit from seeing a neurologist.

Visit Understanding Memory to learn more about the many things than can impact memory.