March 26th 2026
By Ari Parker
Learn about Lewy Body Dementia, its symptoms, causes, and how it differs from Alzheimer's. Understand diagnosis, treatment options, and care strategies for LBD patients.
We sometimes think of dementia and Alzheimer's as the same thing, but Alzheimer’s is actually just one type of dementia. Another is Lewy Body Dementia (LBD), which is often misdiagnosed or undiagnosed. But what is Lewy Body Dementia, and how does it differ from other types?
In short, LBD is a brain disorder that occurs when there are abnormal deposits of a specific protein in the brain. The imbalance of this protein causes changes in bodily functions, mood, behaviors, cognition, and memory.
Continue reading to learn more about Lewy Body Dementia causes, symptoms, treatment options, and more. By taking the time to understand this condition, you can learn the warning signs of this condition, plus effective LBD care strategies for yourself or a loved one.
Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) is a type of dementia characterized by abnormal deposits of protein in the brain. These deposits impact memory, thinking, behavior, bodily functions, mood, and more.
While LBD and Alzheimer’s disease both result in memory difficulties and mood changes, dementia with Lewy bodies is more likely to cause hallucinations, sleep disorders, and Parkinson’s-like tremors.
There is not a cure for LBD, though there are treatment options that can help manage symptoms and improve someone’s quality of life.
After Alzheimer’s disease and Vascular dementia, Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) is the third most common type of dementia. It’s associated with abnormal deposits of a specific protein, alpha-synuclein, in the brain. A deposit of this protein is called a Lewy body, and Lewy bodies lead to a vast array of symptoms. They impact behavior, thinking, mood, memory, and bodily functions.
There are two types of LBD:
Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB): With this type, memory problems, hallucinations, and changes to alertness start earlier than movement-related symptoms.
Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD): In PDD, movement-related symptoms develop first, followed by cognitive symptoms. It’s important to note not everyone with Parkinson’s disease (which is different from PDD) will develop this condition, but there is significant overlap between the two.
Researchers are still looking into the exact cause of LBD, though certain genes and a loss of specific neurons related to the disease’s development both seem to play a role. LBD may be caused by variants in two genes, SNCA and SNCB. Variations in two other genes, GBA1 and APOE, may increase the risk of developing LBD, but researchers haven’t yet concluded if they cause LBD.
Even though this dementia type has a genetic component, there isn’t currently a genetic test for LBD. These genetic variations do not appear to be inherited, and not everyone with these variations develops the disease.
Another potential cause of LBD, which may co-occur with the above genes, is the loss of certain neurons in the brain. The neurons responsible for promoting important neurotransmitters that may help the brain function as intended.
Additionally, there are some known factors that increase the risk of developing this type of dementia:
Age: Most people who develop this condition are usually over 50.
Gender: Some research suggests LBD is more common in men than women. The disease may also progress differently in men and women. Women are more likely to experience hallucinations earlier, while men more likely to experience Parkinson-like symptoms first.
Other diseases: Those with specific conditions, especially REM sleep disorders and medical conditions that cause a loss of smell, have a higher risk for LBD.
Lifestyle: Researchers have yet to establish any specific lifestyle factors that increase risk of LBD specifically. That said, living a healthy lifestyle is associated with a lower risk level for all types of dementia.
Lewy Body Dementia symptoms impact physical, mental, and cognitive health. They often result in disruptions to someone’s daily routine and may lower overall quality of life.
The cognitive symptoms of LBD can impact memory and decision-making, similar to other types of dementia. LBD, however, is more likely to cause hallucinations and sleep troubles in its earlier stages.
As a whole, LBD cognitive symptoms include:
Dementia, which is a loss of function that impairs daily activities
Memory difficulties
Visual hallucinations, or seeing things that aren’t there
Fluctuating and difficult to predict alertness levels
Trouble paying attention
Difficulty making logical decisions
REM sleep behavior disorder, a condition marked by vivid dreams and someone trying to act out dreams
Insomnia
Sleeping two or more hours during the day
LBD also results in movement and physical symptoms. These can show up earlier or later in the disease’s progression, depending on if someone has PDD or DLB.
Physical symptoms include:
Parkinson’s-like tremors
Muscle stiffness
Slower movements than usual
Difficulty walking
Trouble swallowing
Weak or soft voice
Poor posture
Difficulty balancing
Increased risk for falls
Loss of coordination
Last but not least, LBD often results in behavioral and mental health symptoms. These may include:
Disinterest in activities that someone used to enjoy
Anxiety
Restlessness or irritation
Delusions
Misperceptions of the world or those around them
Paranoia
The presence of abnormal alpha-synuclein protein deposits is unique to LBD. Deposits of this particular protein are not found in other types of dementia, though LBD shares symptoms with these other types.
When looking at LBD vs Alzheimer’s, early symptoms vary too. In Alzheimer’s, memory loss is usually the first symptom, while alertness and alertness changes occur first for LBD, as well as possibly movement changes like tremors. In Alzheimer’s, movement changes are only in the later stages.
It is possible to have multiple types of dementia at once. In fact, up to 50% of those with late-onset Alzheimer’s also have LBD. There’s also significant overlap between Parkinson’s disease and LBD, especially PDD.
Up to 50% of people with dementia (of any type) are undiagnosed, making it important to regularly visit a healthcare provider. In an annual wellness check, your provider can look for symptoms of dementia and refer to a neurologist, a specialist in brain health, for further evaluation, if needed. That specialist can then determine if there’s a LBD diagnosis. When the condition is present, they can also create a Lewy Body Disease treatment plan. All treatments focus on managing symptoms, since there isn’t currently a cure to LBD.
Medications can help manage psychiatric symptoms, like hallucinations or changes in mood, or movement symptoms. There are also some drugs in clinical trials that may treat LBD as a whole, not just the symptoms, but these aren’t yet commercially available. Additionally, many trials on these medications are delivering mixed results.
There are three types of therapy that can help with LBD:
Physical or occupational therapy: Helps with movement-related symptoms, such as muscle stiffness or physical tremors
Speech therapy: Helps with swallowing difficulties and clarity of speech
Mental health counseling and/or music and art therapy: Helps with any mental health symptoms and provides expert-led opportunities to create emotional coping strategies, since the average life expectancy with LBD is five to eight years after diagnosis.
Caregivers play an important role in managing LBD symptoms. Support groups can help with the logistical and emotional burden of caring for someone with LBD. If looking for a group to join, the Lewy Body Dementia Association hosts support groups across the United States.
LBD is a complex type of dementia with unique symptoms. It often goes undiagnosed, and it requires specialized care. As we age, the risk of LBD and other types of dementia increases, which is why it’s important to regularly see a primary care provider who can screen for signs of dementia. If they spot any, they may refer you to a neurologist who can diagnose and treat LBD.
The first signs of Lewy Body Dementia differ from person to person. Some people experience cognitive symptoms, like hallucinations and memory issues, first. Others report that they first experience Parkinson’s-like tremors or shakings initially.
Lewy Body Dementia is a serious condition that impacts everyday function, quality of life, and risk of mortality. After initial diagnosis, the average life expectancy is five to eight years.
Lewy Body Dementia is not hereditary. You cannot inherit the disease, though there are four genetic variations that are associated with LBD development.
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