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== Dementia with Lewy bodies ==

'''Dementia with Lewy bodies''' (DLB), pronounced /dɪˈmɛnʃə wɪð ˈluːi ˈbɒdiz/, is a type of [[dementia]] closely associated with [[Parkinson's disease]]. It is characterized by the presence of [[Lewy bodies]], abnormal aggregates of protein that develop inside nerve cells, contributing to the degeneration of brain function. The term "Lewy bodies" is named after the German neurologist [[Friedrich Heinrich Lewy]], who first discovered them while researching Parkinson's disease in the early 20th century.

=== Etymology ===

The term "dementia" is derived from Latin, meaning "madness". This is itself derived from ''de-'' "without" + ''ment, the root of mens'' "mind". The term "Lewy bodies" is named after the German neurologist Friedrich Heinrich Lewy who discovered them.

=== Symptoms ===

DLB is characterized by progressive cognitive decline, along with fluctuations in alertness and attention, recurrent visual hallucinations, and parkinsonian motor symptoms, such as slowness of movement, difficulty walking, or rigidity. People may also suffer from depression and sleep disturbances, such as acting out dreams during [[Rapid Eye Movement|REM sleep]] (REM sleep behavior disorder).

=== Diagnosis ===

Diagnosis of DLB includes a medical history review, physical and neurological examinations, brain imaging, and assessment of mental abilities. Sometimes, a sleep study is conducted to detect REM sleep behavior disorder. A definitive diagnosis can only be made with a postmortem autopsy.

=== Treatment ===

There is currently no cure for DLB, but medications can help manage the symptoms. These include cholinesterase inhibitors for cognitive symptoms, Parkinson's disease medications for movement symptoms, and medications to treat other symptoms such as hallucinations, sleep disturbances, and mood disorders.

=== Prognosis ===

The progression of DLB varies for each individual. The average lifespan after diagnosis is similar to that in Alzheimer's disease, about 5 to 8 years. However, like Alzheimer's, this can vary significantly between individuals.

=== See also ===

* [[Alzheimer's disease]]
* [[Parkinson's disease]]
* [[Lewy body dementia]]
* [[Neurodegenerative diseases]]

[[Category:Neurodegenerative diseases]]
[[Category:Dementia]]
[[Category:Parkinson's disease]]

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