Causes And Risk Factors For Lewy Body Dementia

Lewy body dementia is the second most common type of dementia, affecting more than one million individuals in the United States each year. The disease typically causes a decline in a person's mental state and is caused by an excessive accumulation of protein into deposits called Lewy bodies. It commonly affects individuals over fifty years old and has been found to be related to other diseases and health conditions. Researchers have found there may be a common link between Lewy body and Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. Considering the symptoms of the three diseases (confusion, muscle rigidness, visual hallucinations, and tremors) are very similar, it can be difficult for doctors to diagnose Lewy body disease.

Association With Parkinson's Disease

Lewy body disease has an association with Parkinson's disease due to the fact the proteins found in individuals with Lewy body dementia are also found in individuals who have Parkinson's disease. Although most individuals suffering from Parkinson's exhibit Lewy bodies in their brain, it is not an indicator they will eventually develop Lewy body dementia. The most common symptom between the two is the fact with both diseases, most patients will experience some form of dementia. It should be noted the type of dementia experienced is different in Parkinson's patients and Lewy body patients, with Parkinson's patients experiencing dementia later in their disease, precluded by a loss in motor functions, while Lewy body disease patients will experience the inverse effect.

Continue reading to reveal the major connection to Alzheimer's.