What is Lewy body dementia?

Lewy body dementia is the third most common form of dementia after Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia.

Lewy body dementia is caused when small deposits of protein, called Lewy bodies, build up inside the nerve cells within the brain. These deposits cause damage to the brain cells, affecting thinking, memory and movement.

Lewy Body dementia causes a progressive decline in cognitive ability and may also involve symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease such as muscle rigidity, tremors and slow movement. Lewy Body Dementia, which may also be referred to as dementia with Lewy bodies, affects around 100,000 people in the UK.

We are running a new clinical trial for those with Lewy Body Dementia. If you take part you will receive world class treatment and access to cutting edge treatments. Find out more here.

Symptoms of Lewy body dementia:

• Decline in cognition: confusion, concentration, memory loss, lack of attention and spatial awareness are all symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease that also affect people with Lewy body dementia.
• Hallucinations: visual hallucinations may be one of the first symptoms of Lewy body dementia such as seeing shapes, animals or people who aren’t present. Hallucinations of smell, sound and touch may also be possible.
• Movement difficulties: Parkinson’s disease-like symptoms such as muscle rigidity, slowness of movement, tremors and shuffling walk are common symptoms, which may make the individual more susceptible to falls.
• Nervous system disorders: Lewy body dementia affects the part of the nervous system which regulates blood pressure, sweating, pulse and digestion which may cause dizziness, bowel issues (including constipation) and falls.
• Sleep issues: REM Sleep behaviour disorder is a symptom associated with Parkinson’s disease which causes individuals to act out their (often vivid) dreams, which may include shouting or violent arm and leg movements.
• Mental health decline: Issues such as depression, lack of interest or motivation are common symptoms associated with Lewy Body dementia.

Risk factors associated with Lewy body dementia

• Age: Individuals aged over 60 have a great risk of developing Lewy body dementia
• Genetics: People who have a family member with Lewy body dementia or Parkinson’s disease have an increased risk of developing Lewy body dementia
• Sex: More men are diagnosed with Lewy body dementia than women

It’s important to get an early and accurate diagnosis of Lewy body dementia so that effective treatment can be given at the earliest possible stage. With many symptoms being similar to Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease, it is advisable to record symptoms to discuss with your medical practitioner.

Whilst Lewy body dementia is incurable, there are many treatments available to help address the core symptoms of Lewy body dementia. Re:Cognition Health are conducting final phase international clinical trials to investigate new medications to help treat Lewy body dementia and change the future of the disease.

If you are interested in learning more about the studies and gaining early access to new medications available through these clinical trials, please call 0203 355 3536 or visit: https://recognitionhealth.com/our-services/clinical-trials/