Highlighting Lewy body dementia (LBD) during LBD Awareness Month 

What is Lewy body dementia? 

Lewy body dementia (LBD) occurs because of abnormal deposits of a protein called alpha-synuclein, commonly called Lewy bodies. When these proteins build up inside the brain’s nerve cells, they can cause LBD, also called “dementia with Lewy bodies” or “Lewy body disease.” 

It is estimated that Lewy body dementia accounts for between 5 to 10% of all dementia cases.  

What are the signs and symptoms of Lewy body dementia?

LBD can cause symptoms that are similar to both Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. These can include a progressive loss of memory, language, reasoning and other higher cognitive functions.  

However, unlike Alzheimer’s disease, memory loss may not occur early in the disease. Early symptoms of LBD can include difficulty with planning and organizing, as well as fluctuations in attention and alertness.  

Is Lewy body dementia Parkinson’s disease? 

While Lewy body protein deposits appear in both Lewy body dementia and Parkinson’s disease, one key difference is where they first appear in the brain. 

When Lewy body protein deposits first appear in the part of the brain responsible for thinking, it is called Lewy body dementia.   

When Lewy bodies first appear in the part of the brain responsible for movement, it is called Parkinson’s disease dementia. 

How do I know if I am at risk for Lewy body dementia?  

While more research is being done to understand Lewy body dementia, doctors do know some of the risk factors of the disease, including: 

• Lewy bodies are a protein also seen in Parkinson’s disease, suggesting the conditions may be linked. 
• If a family member has Lewy body dementia, you may have a higher risk of developing the disease.  
• Lewy body dementia is also more common in people assigned male at birth than in those assigned female.  

Is there a cure for Lewy body dementia? 

While there is no cure for Lewy body dementia, it is sometimes possible to treat symptoms of the disease using medications associated with treating Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease. However, it is important to talk to your doctor about what treatment plan may work best for you before beginning any new medication. 

No matter what your dementia diagnosis is, the Alzheimer Society of BC and Yukon is here to support you. We invite anyone affected by dementia to contact the First Link® Dementia Helpline at 1800-936-6033 to learn more about our programs and services.