27/07/2023
This week, we're breaking down some facts about dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB).
What is DLB, and what causes it?
• DLB is caused by Lewy body disease. In this disease, tiny clumps of proteins known as Lewy bodies appear in the brain's nerve cells.
• It isn't yet known why Lewy bodies develop in the brain or exactly how they cause dementia. But we do know that DLB:
1. Can cause different symptoms depending on what parts of the brain have the largest build-up of faulty proteins.
2. Reduces the levels of important chemicals needed to send messages around the brain.
3. Breaks the connections between nerve cells, eventually causing these cells to stop working.
4. Usually develops over many years – typically when a person is approaching old age.
What are the symptoms?
• Lewy bodies cause a range of symptoms, some of which are shared by Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Therefore, DLB is often wrongly diagnosed.
• Symptoms include problems with movement, thinking, mood, and how well the body works. People can also experience hallucinations, delusions and sleep disturbance.
Who is at risk?
• About 1 in 10 people with dementia have DLB.
• However, there's good evidence that the condition is underdiagnosed. Scientists think DLB may account for up to 20% of all dementia.
• DLB affects men and women equally.
• DLB becomes increasingly common over the age of 65; it can also affect people younger than this.
• Some genes may increase the risk of developing DLB.
For more info on DLB, take a look at our web pages: https://bit.ly/42RlDqZ.
If you're concerned about dementia, we have a symptoms checklist to support people when speaking to their health professional about getting a diagnosis: https://bit.ly/3LKXlqF. Or please call us on 0333 150 3456 for advice.
