Lewy Body Dementia
A form of major or mild neurocognitive disorder involving abnormal protein deposits (Lewy bodies) in the brain, causing cognitive, motor, and visual symptoms.
Overview
Lewy body dementia, a form of major or mild neurocognitive disorder, involves the buildup of abnormal alpha-synuclein protein deposits called Lewy bodies in the brain, causing fluctuating cognition, visual hallucinations, and motor symptoms.
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms can include fluctuating alertness and attention, recurrent visual hallucinations, movement symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease, and sleep disturbances such as acting out dreams. Experiencing one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that a person has this condition. Diagnosis requires an appropriate clinical evaluation.
Causes and Risk Factors
Lewy body dementia is caused by abnormal alpha-synuclein protein deposits in the brain; the exact trigger for this process is not fully understood.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis should be made by a qualified healthcare professional following a comprehensive clinical assessment. Clinicians may use established diagnostic frameworks such as DSM-5-TR and/or ICD-11 as part of a comprehensive assessment.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the individual’s symptoms, clinical history, severity, age, co-occurring conditions, and other relevant factors.
Psychotherapy
Structured routines and caregiver education, including guidance on managing fluctuating symptoms, are important components of care.
Medication
Certain medications may help with cognitive or motor symptoms; individuals with Lewy body dementia can have serious sensitivity to certain antipsychotic medications, so careful medical guidance is essential. Medication decisions should be made with a qualified prescribing healthcare professional. Do not start, stop, or change a prescribed medication based solely on information on this page.
Living With Lewy Body Dementia
Caregivers should be aware of medication sensitivities and coordinate closely with a specialist familiar with Lewy body dementia.
When to Seek Professional Help
Professional evaluation may be appropriate if symptoms persist, worsen, cause significant distress, or interfere with work, school, or relationships.
Emergency Situations
If a person may be in immediate danger, is experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency, or may harm themselves or another person, seek immediate assistance through appropriate local emergency services.
Outlook
Lewy body dementia is progressive; symptom fluctuation is characteristic, and careful specialist-guided management can help optimize quality of life.
Related Conditions
Medical Information Disclaimer
Ratel Health provides general educational information and does not provide medical diagnosis, treatment, or individualized medical advice. Information on this page is not a substitute for evaluation or care from a qualified healthcare professional. Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or another person, or to start, stop, or change treatment or medication without consulting an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
References
- American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR).
- National Institutes of Health.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- World Health Organization. International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision.