Lewy Body Dementia (LBD or DLB)
- Named after Frederic Lewy
- Characterised by the presence of Lewy Body-like inclusions within neurones
- Gradual death and decline of brain cells
- Low-levels of acetylcholine and dopamine observed
- Symptoms
- Akin to a combination of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease
- Marked fluctuation may occur throughout the day
- Disrupted sleep patterns
- Hallucinations (particularly visual)
- Parkinsonism movement disorders, but less-susceptible to treatment with L-Dopa
- Diagnosis is clinical, though the classical distinguishing features (hallucinations etc…) may not always be present
- Can be difficult to distinguish LBD from Alzheimer’s with Parkinson’s Disease
