Lewy body dementia (LBD) is a type of progressive dementia that affects a persons ability to think, reason, and process information. It is the second most common type of dementia after Alzheimers disease. LBD is caused by the buildup of abnormal protein particles called Lewy bodies in the brain. The symptoms of LBD can vary from person to person, but some common ones include:
- Fluctuating effects on mental functioning, particularly alertness and attention, which may resemble delirium
- Recurrent visual hallucinations
- Parkinson-like movement symptoms, such as rigidity and lack of spontaneous movement
Other symptoms of LBD may include changes in mood and behavior, sensitivity to heat and cold, dizziness, poor sense of smell, and urinary incontinence. There is no cure for LBD, but some symptoms may respond to treatment for a period of time. The diagnosis of LBD is based on a persons symptoms, and there is no single test that can diagnose it. It is important to work with a specialist familiar with the many aspects of the disease.
