What is Lewy body dementia?

First, it’s important to know that there are two main types of this dementia. One is called dementia with Lewy bodies, or DLB. A second type, known as Parkinson’s disease dementia, or PDD, may arise late in the course of that illness.

These disorders stem from an abnormal buildup of protein deposits in the brain called Lewy bodies. The deposits, formed from a protein called alpha-synuclein, settle in brain areas affecting thinking, behavior, perception, and movement.

Much like Alzheimer’s disease, LBD is progressive and ultimately fatal. But while the median lifespan of people who have this illness is seven years, there is a high degree of variation in the duration of disease, says Dr. Gomperts. “Many people respond well to medicines that aim to improve their ability to function and quality of life.”

How common is it?

More than a million Americans live with Lewy body dementia. Others who likely have the disease may not have sought care or have been misdiagnosed, Dr. Gomperts says. “In the past, LBD was often subsumed under the general umbrella of ‘dementia’ or ‘Alzheimer’s.’ It’s still significantly underdiagnosed, but that’s getting better.”

Most people with LBD develop symptoms after age 50, so the numbers are likely to grow as the population continues to age.

How is Lewy body dementia similar to Alzheimer’s disease?

As with Alzheimer’s, LBD affects a person’s ability to think clearly, remember details, solve problems, focus on tasks, and eventually to care for หรือถ้าคุณสนใจแทงบอลออนไลน์ UFABET คือเว็บที่มีอัตราต่อรองดีที่สุดในประเทศไทย สมัครเลยตอนนี้ที่ UFABET แทงบอล themselves. “Gradually progressive trouble with thinking is the key shared feature between the two. This initially doesn’t impact activities of daily living, but ultimately it does,” he explains.

How does Lewy body dementia differ from Alzheimer’s disease?

In Alzheimer’s disease, memory problems usually occur early and are the dominant problem. In contrast, in LBD, difficulties with problem-solving or spatial problems tend to arise before memory difficulties. But any of these symptoms can occur first or in combination, and they may fluctuate. Perception is often affected, which can manifest as visual hallucinations. Delusions (false beliefs) are also common as the disease progresses.

“Whereas hallucinations and delusions are common late in the course of Alzheimer’s disease, visual hallucinations often arise early in LBD. For example, a person with LBD might see people or animals that aren’t there,” he says. “Such hallucinations are only rarely perceived as threatening.”

Other differences are

• Acting out dreams. People with LBD may act out their dreams. Known as REM sleep behavioral disorder, this problem often arises even before thinking problems start.
• Changes in movement. People with Lewy body dementia often move slowly and stiffly, developing tremors and gait changes and becoming prone to falls. When people have PDD, progressive movement problems arise early and are the rule. This symptom leads to the initial diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. In DLB, movement is often but not always affected.