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Lewy Body Disease

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Condition

Lewy Body Disease

(Lewy Body Dementia; Dementia with Lewy Bodies)

Definition

Lewy body disease is a type of dementia. It causes a loss in mental abilities, such as thinking, learning, and judging. It may also cause problems with how people see the world around them. It may cause people to see things that others do not see.
Brain Cells.

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Causes

The disease is linked to a buildup of abnormal protein deposits called Lewy bodies in the brain. These deposits play a role in memory, visual processing, and motor control. It is not known why they build up. The immune system may play a role in Lewy Body Disease.

Risk Factors

Lewy body disease is more common in people over 65 years of age.

Things that may raise the risk are:

  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Having certain genetic issues

Symptoms

A person with Lewy body disease may have:

  • Forgetfulness, problems naming things, or changes in thinking
  • Lack of focus or confusion
  • Slowness when moving
  • Tremors
  • Problems sleeping
  • Seeing things that are not there
  • Having beliefs that are not based in reality

These symptoms may get worse or better over time.

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. Cognitive tests will also be done.

Images may be taken to help with the diagnosis. This can be done with:

The only way to confirm the disease is through an autopsy after death.

Treatment

There is no cure. The goal of treatment is to manage symptoms. This can be done with medicines such as:

  • Cholinesterase inhibitors to treat changes in thinking
  • Memantine to decrease abnormal activity in the brain
  • Levodopa to treat physical symptoms
  • Antipsychotic medicine

Counseling and support groups can provide support and guidance.

Prevention

There are no current guidelines to prevent this disease.

RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Dementia with Lewy bodies. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/dementia-with-lewy-bodies.
  • Dementia with Lewy bodies information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Dementia-Lewy-Bodies-Information-Page.
  • Facing Lewy body dementia together: an introduction to LBD. Lewy Body Disease Association website. Available at: http://lbda.org/facing-lewy-body-dementia-together-an-introduction-to-lbd.
  • Gate, D., Tapp, E., et al. CD4+ T cells contribute to neurodegeneration in Lewy Body Dementia. Science, 2021; 374(6569): 868-874.
  • McKeith, I.G., Boeve, B.F., et al. Diagnosis and management of dementia with Lewy bodies: fourth consensus report of the DLB Consortium. Neurology, 2017; 89(1): 88-100.

Contributors

  • Rimas Lukas, MD
Last Updated:
2023-06-01

(C) Copyright 2023 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.