What is Lewy body dementia?

Sometimes called the most common disease you have never heard of, Lewy body dementia is the second most common type of dementia. Lewy body dementia occurs when proteins called Lewy bodies build up in the brain.

Unlike Alzheimer’s disease, memory loss is not the most common symptom of Lewy body dementia. People living with Lewy body dementia start with declining mental abilities. Someone living with Lewy may also have hallucinations, changes in alertness and attention, and muscle rigidity.

The National Institutes of Health has a helpful video that describes the symptoms of Lewy body dementia. The Lewy Body Dementia Association has helpful resources and support for anyone living with and caring for someone with Lewy body dementia.