Lewy body dementias
Lewy Body Dementias
Lewy body dementias (pronounced: LOO-ee body dem-EN-she-uhs) are a group of related neurodegenerative disorders characterized by the presence of Lewy bodies, abnormal aggregates of protein that develop inside nerve cells in the brain. The term "Lewy body dementias" encompasses two clinical diagnoses: Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD).
Etymology
The term "Lewy body" is named after the German neurologist Friedrich Heinrich Lewy, who first described these protein aggregates in 1912. The term "dementia" comes from Latin de- (apart) and mens (mind), literally meaning "apart from the mind".
Symptoms
Lewy body dementias typically present with a combination of cognitive, physical, sleep, and behavioral symptoms. Cognitive symptoms often include problems with attention, visual perception, and fluctuations in cognition. Physical symptoms may include Parkinsonism, a condition characterized by movement problems such as stiffness and tremors. Sleep disturbances and behavioral changes, such as hallucinations and mood swings, are also common.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Lewy body dementias is based on the presence of characteristic symptoms and is supported by neuroimaging techniques such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans. However, definitive diagnosis can only be confirmed through post-mortem examination of the brain.
Treatment
While there is currently no cure for Lewy body dementias, treatments are available to manage symptoms. These may include medications to improve cognitive symptoms, physical therapy for movement problems, and behavioral interventions for mood and sleep disturbances.
Related Terms
- Neurodegenerative disorders
- Dementia
- Parkinson's disease
- Lewy bodies
- Cognitive impairment
- Parkinsonism
- Hallucinations
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Lewy body dementias
- Wikipedia's article - Lewy body dementias
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