What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Cortical Lewy Body Disease (CLBD)
• Diffuse Lewy Body Disease (DLBD)
• Lewy Body Dementia (LBD)

What is Dementia with Lewy Bodies? (Definition/Background Information)

• Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB) is a condition that involves a decline in mental abilities, such as thinking, reasoning, and independent function, due to a buildup of protein in the brain, known as Lewy bodies. Dementia with Lewy Bodies is the second most common type of Dementia
• Dementia is a term used to describe symptoms that affect thought processes to the point of disrupting a person’s ability to perform everyday activities. It may be caused by a wide variety of factors
• Dementia with Lewy Bodies is caused by a buildup of protein in nerve cells in the brain, which disrupts communication and eventually causing the cells to die. This can affect any part of the brain, resulting in a range of mental health problems in individuals
• Dementia with Lewy Bodies affects one’s mental abilities and may produce visual hallucinations, and problems with alertness or attention. This condition may also cause difficulties with movement, similar to Parkinson’s disease, such as rigid muscles, slow movement, and tremors
• It is not possible to reverse the brain damage caused by this condition, and the treatment for Dementia with Lewy Bodies focuses on managing and improving the symptoms present
• Due to the progressive nature of this condition, the prognosis is typically poor. On an average, individuals diagnosed with Dementia with Lewy Bodies, live up to 5-7 years following onset of the symptoms

Who gets Dementia with Lewy Bodies? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Dementia with Lewy Bodies is the second most common type of dementia. It accounts for almost 10-25% of all the dementia cases 
• Symptom manifestation may begin between the ages of 50-85 years
• Although both genders may develop this condition, it is more prevalent in males
• Dementia with Lewy Bodies may be observed in all racial and ethnic groups

What are the Risk Factors for Dementia with Lewy Bodies? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors for the development of Dementia with Lewy Bodies are as follow:

• Advancing age: Individuals over the age of 50 years are more likely to be diagnosed with Dementia with Lewy Bodies 
• Family history of the condition
• Family history of Parkinson’s disease, which is a disorder in which there is a breakdown of brain cells, resulting in a decline in motor skills, such as movement and speech, eventually leading to death
• Family history of REM sleep behavior disorder, in which the paralysis that regularly occurs during sleep is absent, and individuals physically act out dreams

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Dementia with Lewy Bodies? (Etiology)

The exact cause Dementia with Lewy Bodies is currently unknown. However, the following factors may contribute to the development of this condition:

• An abnormal amount of protein buildup, known as Lewy bodies, in the brain’s nerve cells. It is unknown how Lewy bodies appear
• Nevertheless, low levels of chemicals in the brain that carry messages between nerve cells has been suggested as a cause
• A loss of connection between nerve cells result in their death, causing a mental decline in the affected individuals

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Dementia with Lewy Bodies?

The signs and symptoms of Dementia with Lewy Bodies may vary in type and severity among the affected individuals. These include:

• Sleep disturbance
  • Restless sleep
  • REM sleep behavior disorder: A disorder in which there is no paralysis during sleep, and individuals physically and vocally act out their dreams
• Agitation, restlessness, and violence
• Decline in mental abilities
  • Problems with attention and alertness
  • Trouble with speech
  • Trouble judging distance
  • Difficulty with perceiving objects in three dimensions (3D)
  • Disrupted memory
• Problems with movement
  • Slow and stiff movement
  • Blank facial expression
  • Stooped posture
  • Difficulty with balance
• Hallucinations 
  • Visual hallucinations, or seeing things that are not there, often people or animals
  • Auditory hallucinations, or hearing things that are not there, such as knocks or footsteps
• Delusions
  • Feeling as though someone is out to get them
  • Feeling as though the people they know are imposters

How is Dementia with Lewy Bodies Diagnosed?

Dementia with Lewy Bodies is difficult to diagnose and requires a clinician’s professional judgment. A combination of the following methods may be used to diagnose the disorder:

• Complete physical and neurological examination
• Extensive personal and family medical history evaluation
• Assessment of mental abilities
• Blood tests
• Brain scans

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Dementia with Lewy Bodies?

Dementia with Lewy Bodies may affect any part of the brain, resulting in varying complications. Some common complications of this condition may include:

• Inability to concentrate
• Extreme difficulty with movement
• Lack of alertness
• Visual and auditory hallucinations
• Negative impact on quality of life

How is Dementia with Lewy Bodies Treated?

Currently, it is not possible to reverse the brain damage that has already taken place, and also, there is no cure for Dementia with Lewy Bodies. Treatment options for this condition focus on managing and improving the symptoms present, which may include:

• Administering medications to help in the following manner:
  • Improve memory 
  • Help relax rigid muscles and ease movement
  • Aid with sleep disorders
• Psychotherapy that involves:
  • Occupational therapy helps to identify problems in daily functioning and work-out a practical solution
  • Cognitive stimulation can improve memory, problem solving skills, and language 
• Meditation and relaxation methods

How can Dementia with Lewy Bodies be Prevented?

Currently, there are no methods or guidelines for the prevention of Dementia with Lewy Bodies

• Seeking medical treatment soon after symptoms begin appearing may be beneficial and help slow down the progression of the condition
• Active research is currently being performed to explore the possibilities for treatment and prevention of disorders such as Dementia with Lewy Bodies
• Regular medical screening at periodic intervals with tests and physical examinations are recommended

What is the Prognosis of Dementia with Lewy Bodies? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• Due to the progressive nature of this condition, the prognosis for Dementia with Lewy Bodies is typically poor
• The signs and symptoms are known to worsen over time, and the affected individuals eventually succumb to the condition
• The progression of the condition varies among individuals; the average duration of illness is 5-7 years after symptoms are noted

Additions and Relevant Useful Information for Dementia with Lewy Bodies:

The following DoveMed website link is a useful resource for additional information:

https://www.dovemed.com/healthy-living/emotional-well-being/