Overview Of The Major Types Of Dementia

Lewy Body Dementia

Between ten and fifteen percent of all dementia cases are Lewy body dementia. Tiny deposits of alpha-synuclein, a protein that develops in the brain's nerve cells, are known as Lewy bodies. The precise mechanism linking the development of Lewy bodies to dementia is not clear. However, it is thought to be associated with low acetylcholine and dopamine. Another theory is connection loss between nerve cells. Lewy bodies developing in the base of the brain cause Parkinson's disease. The cognitive symptoms of Lewy body dementia are the result of Lewy bodies developing in the brain's outer layers.

Lewy body dementia patients may experience changes in their attention and alertness. Visual hallucinations may accompany these alterations. Lewy body dementia patients may experience poor regulation of the autonomic nervous system that controls pulse, sweating, blood pressure, and digestive processes. Other common symptoms of Lewy body dementia are visuospatial problems, sleep difficulties, disorganized speech, confusion, and dizziness.