Dementia with Lewy bodies
Dementia with Lewy bodies
Dementia is a broad term for a group of conditions that affect different functions of the brain, including memory. Dementia with Lewy bodies is one of the more common forms of dementia. You may also hear it called Lewy body dementia.
Common Symptoms
⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Medicines Commonly Used
⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.
No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.
Causes
Causes of dementia with Lewy bodies
In dementia with Lewy bodies, small proteins known as Lewy bodies appear in the nerve cells of the brain. They then build up in the parts of the brain responsible for memory and muscle movement.
It’s not clear why this happens or how exactly the brain is damaged. But, it’s thought that the chemical signals between brain cells are disrupted.
People who have Parkinson’s disease are more likely to go on to develop dementia with Lewy bodies. This is known as Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD).
Risk factors for dementia with Lewy bodies
Dementia with Lewy bodies usually occurs in people with no family history of the condition.
People with Parkinson’s disease might also develop dementia with Lewy bodies.
When to speak to a healthcare professional
If you’re worried about your memory or think you may have dementia, you should speak to your GP.
If you’re worried about someone else, you should encourage them to make an appointment. You could suggest that you’ll go with them.
More advice if you’re worried about dementia
Diagnosis
Memory problems don't always mean dementia. Sometimes they're caused by depression, stress, certain medications, or other health issues instead.
Your GP can run some simple checks to help figure out what's behind it, and if needed, they'll refer you to a specialist for further tests.
Treatment
Treatment for dementia with Lewy bodies
There’s currently no cure for dementia with Lewy bodies. But, there are treatments that can help manage the symptoms. Your GP or healthcare professional can discuss the best treatment options for you.
There are things you can do to live well for as long as possible with dementia.
Read more about living well with dementia
Your future health and social care needs will need to be assessed and a care plan drawn up.
This is a way of ensuring you receive the right treatment for your needs. It involves identifying areas where you may need some help, like:
- what support you or your carer need for you to remain as independent as possible
- whether there are any changes that need to be made to your home to make it easier to live in
- whether you need any financial assistance
Don’t include personal information e.g. name, location or any personal health conditions.