Contact Information

Memory Disorders Division

Wang Ambulatory Care Center
15 Parkman Street
8th Floor, Suite 835
Boston, MA  02114

Phone: 617-726-1728
Fax: 617-726-4101

Explore This Condition

Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is a progressive neurological disorder that shares symptoms with Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's. Early diagnosis and treatment can help you manage symptoms of dementia with Lewy bodies.

At Massachusetts General Hospital, our memory disorders team provides comprehensive care for patients with dementia with Lewy bodies. Our dedicated team of specialists offers advanced treatments and personalized support to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. We are here to support you and your family every step of the way.

Learn about our Memory Disorders Division

What Is Dementia with Lewy Bodies?

Dementia with Lewy bodies is a kind of dementia (decline in cognitive ability) that results from protein deposits called "Lewy bodies" in the brain. Lewy bodies are also associated with Parkinson's disease, and symptoms of DLB overlap with those of Parkinson's. To arrive at a diagnosis of dementia with Lewy bodies, your doctor will need to distinguish it from Parkinson's disease.

Learn more about its symptoms and causes

Dementia with Lewy Bodies vs. Lewy Body Dementia

The terms Lewy body dementia (LBD) and dementia with Lewy bodies are often used interchangeably, but DLB is actually just one type of LBD. LBD is a broader term that includes both DLB and Parkinson’s disease dementia. DLB is a progressive dementia where cognitive impairment is the earliest and most prominent symptom, often accompanied by movement issues, hallucinations, and fluctuating alertness.

Dementia with Lewy Bodies Diagnosis

There's no single test that can confirm a diagnosis of dementia with Lewy bodies with 100% certainty. However, doctors arrive at a diagnosis by considering your symptoms, medical history, brain scans, and your performance on mental status tests. They'll also need to rule out other conditions.

How to Diagnose Dementia with Lewy Bodies

The first indication that you have DLB is a progressive decline in your ability to think and solve problems. This cognitive decline is the hallmark symptom of all forms of dementia. However, other forms of dementia—such as Alzheimer's disease—have different causes and varying additional symptoms.

To be diagnosed with DLB, you need to show at least two of the following specific dementia with Lewy bodies diagnosis criteria in addition to general signs of cognitive decline:

  • Irregular alertness
  • Symptoms of Parkinsonism
  • REM sleep behavior disorder (acting out your dreams while you're asleep)
  • Repeated episodes of hallucination

Your doctor may order other tests to help confirm an DLB diagnosis, such as:

  • Blood and spinal fluid testing: Blood tests and spinal taps can rule out other conditions that might explain your symptoms.
  • Brain scans: Imaging like MRI or CT scans isn’t usually able to diagnose dementia with Lewy bodies, but they can rule out other conditions and make it easier to reach the correct diagnosis.
  • Mental status tests: Tests of skills like problem-solving, memory, and concentration can identify the degree of cognitive decline and determine whether it's consistent with dementia.
  • Cognitive evaluation: Some psychological or psychiatric conditions have symptoms that resemble dementia.

Treatment for Dementia with Lewy Bodies

Unfortunately, there is no cure for dementia with Lewy bodies. Instead, treatments for DLB focus on managing the disease's symptoms. Because of the overlap between DLB, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer’s disease, some dementia with Lewy bodies treatments are similar as treatments for Parkinson's and Alzheimer’s disease, such as cholinesterase inhibitors and levodopa.

Other possible treatments for dementia with Lewy bodies include occupational or physical therapy, exercise programs, and psychological support to deal with the emotional burden of the disease, and medications to help regulate sleep.

FAQs About dementia with Lewy bodies Treatment and Diagnosis

What are five signs of dementia with Lewy bodies?

The most prominent sign of dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is cognitive impairment. Other common signs include:

  • Parkinsonism (movement symptoms such as stiffness, tremors, or slow movement)
  • Visual hallucinations (seeing things that aren’t there)
  • Fluctuating alertness (varying levels of attention and confusion throughout the day)
  • REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) (acting out dreams during sleep)
Who is at risk for dementia with Lewy bodies?

The most significant risk factor for dementia with Lewy bodies is age. Older people are more likely to develop dementia Lewy bodies. The condition is also more common in biological males and people with a family history of dementia.

How do you confirm dementia with Lewy bodies?

A probable diagnosis of dementia with Lewy bodies diagnosis requires a person to show symptoms of cognitive decline as well as at least two other symptoms from a list of DLB diagnosis criteria:

  • Inconsistent levels of alertness
  • Parkinsonism
  • Recurring hallucinations
  • REM sleep disorder
Can anything slow down dementia with Lewy bodies?

Currently, there's no cure for dementia with Lewy bodies nor any proven treatment that can slow the progression of the disease. However, some researchers believe that exercise may be associated with slower progression.

What should people with dementia with Lewy bodies avoid?

People with dementia with Lewy bodies should avoid anticholinergic medications—which can make cognitive symptoms worse—and certain kinds of antipsychotic medications, which can cause severe confusion or worsen Parkinsonism.

You should also follow a healthy lifestyle since there is some evidence that certain behaviors can lower your risk of dementia:

  • Eating a healthy diet
  • Lowering alcohol consumption
  • Managing blood pressure
  • Sufficient exercise
  • Sleeping enough
  • Getting mental stimulation
How do you calm dementia with Lewy bodies?

Behavioral and psychological changes often accompany dementia. These changes can be a direct symptom of the disease or may arise as a stress response to the confusion and frustration that people with dementia experience.

Keeping a loved one with dementia with Lewy bodies calm can be challenging for caregivers. Ensuring they get enough exercise and sleep can help. Other solutions include establishing a routine and adjusting to the person's environment to make daily life less challenging or stressful.