Lewy body dementia is a serious and progressive brain disorder that affects how a person thinks, moves, and behaves over time. It is the second most common form of dementia after Alzheimer’s disease, especially among older adults.
Despite this, many people have never heard of it, and even doctors sometimes struggle to diagnose it correctly. The disease can look very different from person to person, which adds to the confusion and emotional stress for families.
The name of the condition comes from Lewy bodies, which are abnormal clumps of protein that build up inside nerve cells in the brain. These clumps interfere with how brain cells normally work and communicate with each other.
As more nerve cells are damaged, brain functions such as memory, movement, attention, and behavior begin to decline. Unlike normal aging, these changes gradually worsen and begin to affect daily life.
What makes Lewy body dementia especially challenging is that it shares features with both Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
People with the condition may have memory problems similar to Alzheimer’s, while also experiencing stiffness, slow movement, or balance problems commonly seen in Parkinson’s disease. Because of this overlap, Lewy body dementia is often misdiagnosed or diagnosed late.
One of the most noticeable and unique symptoms of Lewy body dementia is visual hallucinations. Many people see things that are not actually there, such as people, animals, or objects.
These hallucinations are often vivid and detailed, and they may appear early in the disease. Another common feature is sudden changes in alertness and attention. A person may seem very confused or sleepy at one moment, then appear clear and alert a short time later.
Scientists have identified a protein called alpha-synuclein as the main cause behind Lewy body dementia. In a healthy brain, this protein plays a helpful role in sending signals between nerve cells.
However, when alpha-synuclein folds incorrectly and clumps together, it forms Lewy bodies. These protein clumps damage nerve cells and prevent them from working properly.
Lewy bodies tend to build up in several important areas of the brain. These include regions involved in thinking and decision-making, emotional control, and movement. As the disease spreads through these areas, symptoms become more widespread and severe.
This explains why people with Lewy body dementia can experience memory loss, mood changes, movement difficulties, and sleep problems all at once.
The exact reason why Lewy bodies form is still not fully understood, but researchers believe several factors are involved. Genetics appears to play a role. Certain genes, including one called the GBA gene, have been linked to a higher risk of developing the disease.
This same gene is also linked to Gaucher’s disease, a rare inherited condition, showing how one genetic change can affect different parts of the body. Still, most people with Lewy body dementia do not have a clear family history, meaning genes alone do not explain everything.
Environmental and lifestyle factors may also contribute, although research is ongoing. Some studies suggest that long-term exposure to pesticides or harmful chemicals may increase the risk of developing brain disorders like Lewy body dementia or Parkinson’s disease. However, scientists have not yet reached firm conclusions, and more evidence is needed.
Age is the strongest known risk factor for Lewy body dementia. Most people are diagnosed after the age of 50, and the risk increases as people grow older. Men appear to be slightly more likely than women to develop the condition, although researchers are still studying why this difference exists.
People with Parkinson’s disease or a sleep disorder known as REM sleep behavior disorder are also at higher risk, suggesting that these conditions may share similar brain changes.
There is currently no cure for Lewy body dementia, but growing research has improved how it is managed. Treatment usually focuses on easing symptoms and improving quality of life.
Medications may help control hallucinations, movement problems, or mood changes, while physical therapy, sleep support, and caregiver education can help manage daily challenges.
Lewy body dementia is a complex disease influenced by abnormal protein buildup, genetics, aging, and possibly environmental factors.
Although many questions remain, increasing awareness and early recognition can make a meaningful difference. Understanding the symptoms allows patients and families to seek proper care sooner and plan for the future with greater confidence.
If you care about dementia, please read studies that eating apples and tea could keep dementia at bay, and Olive oil: a daily dose for better brain health.
For more health information, please see recent studies what you eat together may affect your dementia risk, and time-restricted eating: a simple way to fight aging and cancer.
Copyright © 2026 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
