What is the difference between Lewy body dementia and Alzheimer’s disease

Lewy body dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are both common types of dementia. People with either condition experience changes in the brain that can cause physical, cognitive, and behavioral symptoms.

This article examines the similarities and differences of both conditions, including symptoms, treatment, diagnosis, and outlook.

Lewy body dementia

Lewy body dementia (LBD) is one of the most commonTrusted Source types of dementia. It occurs in over 1 million people in the United States.

LBD occurs when alpha-synuclein, a type of protein, builds up in the brain to form deposits called Lewy bodies. Lewy bodies cause chemical changes in the brain, which affect movement, behavior, mood, and thinking.

Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia, accounting for 60–80% of dementia cases.

Alzheimer’s disease occurs when changes to the brain prevent nerve cells from working properly. This brain damage affects memory, personality, and the ability to carry out everyday tasks.

Is there a link?

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s disease and LBD can overlap. Lewy bodies can occur in people with Alzheimer’s, and plaques and tangles — key markers of Alzheimer’s disease — occur in many individuals with LBD.

Although LBD and Alzheimer’s disease may share similar symptoms, they are different conditions and do not appear to lead to the other.

Read the full article here: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/lewy-body-dementia-vs-alzheimers#symptoms