Lewy Body Disease
(Lewy Body Dementia; Dementia with Lewy Bodies)
Definition
Dementia is the progressive loss of memory and various other mental functions, including the ability to learn, reason, and judge. Lewy body disease is associated with the build up of Lewy bodies in regions of the brain. These are abnormal protein deposits inside cells that control certain aspects of memory and motor control.
Brain Cells
Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
Causes
It is not clear exactly what causes the build up of Lewy bodies in the brain. But the disease is linked to:
- Parkinson's disease
- Multiple system atrophy
- Alzheimer's disease
- Other disorders
Risk Factors
Factors that can increase your chance of developing Lewy body disease include:
- Gender: male
- Age: 53-83 years
- Family history of Lewy body disease, Parkinson's disease, or other dementias
Symptoms
Lewy body disease is characterized by:
- Fluctuations in alertness and attention—frequent drowsiness, lethargy, staring into space, disorganized speech, and insomnia
- Recurrent visual hallucinations
- Poor regulation of body temperature and blood pressure
- Obsessive compulsive behaviors
- Forgetfulness
- Parkinsonian motor symptoms—rigidity, loss of spontaneous movement
- REM behavior disorder
Diagnosis
The only way to diagnose Lewy body disease is through an autopsy. A doctor can do tests to narrow the cause of dementia. You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Other tests may include:
Treatment
While there is no cure for Lewy body disease, there are treatments that can control the symptoms. Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include:
Medications
These medicines may be used to help with the symptoms:
- Donepezil and rivastigmine—to help with cognition; may worsen motor symptoms
- Memantine—to improve behavioral symptoms
- Levodopa—to help control rigidity and loss of spontaneous movement
- Antidepressants
- Anticonvulsants
If you have Lewy body disease, you may be sensitive to medicines called neuroleptics. You may have adverse events with these medicines.
RESOURCES:
Lewy Body Dementia Association
http://www.lewybodydementia.org
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
http://www.ninds.nih.gov
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Alzheimer Society
http://www.alzheimer.ca
Canadian Stroke Network
http://www.canadianstrokenetwork.ca
REFERENCES:
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Last reviewed March 2013 by Rimas Lukas, MD
Last Updated: 03/15/2013