Lewy Body Dementia

Jackie Bezos, the mother of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and an early investor in the company, recently passed away in Miami due to Lewy Body Dementia (LBD).

About Lewy Body Dementia (LBD)

Lewy Body Dementia is a progressive and complex brain disorder. It is recognized as the second most common form of dementia, after Alzheimer’s disease.

LBD is associated with the abnormal accumulation of a protein called alpha-synuclein in the brain. These protein deposits, known as Lewy bodies, interfere with normal brain chemistry. As a result, individuals with LBD may experience problems related to thinking, movement, behavior, mood, and body functions.

Key Facts about LBD

There are two main forms of Lewy Body Dementia that cause cognitive symptoms:

1. Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB)

2. Parkinson’s Disease Dementia (PDD)

The condition usually begins at age 50 or older, although it can sometimes affect younger individuals. It appears to be slightly more common in men than in women.

LBD causes a gradual decline in mental abilities, which worsens over time. On average, the disease lasts five to seven years from the time of diagnosis until death, though it can range from two to twenty years depending on the individual.

Common Symptoms

People with LBD may experience visual hallucinations, where they see things that are not present. They may also exhibit fluctuating levels of alertness and attention.

Many patients show Parkinsonian symptoms, such as:

• Rigid muscles

• Slow movement

• Difficulty walking

• Tremors

As the disease progresses, individuals require increasing assistance with daily activities. In the later stages, they may become entirely dependent on others for care.

Treatment and Management

Currently, there is no cure or known way to prevent Lewy Body Dementia. However, certain medications and therapies can help manage the symptoms temporarily. These may include treatments for cognitive decline, movement disorders, and behavioral issues. Supportive therapies such as physical, occupational, and speech therapy can also improve quality of life.