Quick read
Key points
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Dementia with Lewy bodies is a type of dementia caused by abnormal protein deposits (Lewy bodies) building up in the brain, affecting memory, thinking, movement, and alertness. It shares features with both Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, and can cause visual hallucinations, fluctuating alertness, and movement difficulties alongside memory problems.
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Topic-specific prevention and risk reduction will be added during the article-specific evidence audit.
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You or a family member notice memory changes alongside movement difficulties or visual hallucinations
01 · Know
What is Dementia with Lewy Bodies?
Dementia with Lewy bodies is a type of dementia caused by abnormal protein deposits (Lewy bodies) building up in the brain, affecting memory, thinking, movement, and alertness. It shares features with both Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, and can cause visual hallucinations, fluctuating alertness, and movement difficulties alongside memory problems.
While there's no cure, a range of treatments can help manage symptoms and support quality of life. Because it can be difficult to distinguish from other types of dementia, an accurate diagnosis by a specialist is important, since some medications suitable for other dementias can affect people with Lewy body dementia differently.
02 · Understand
Clinical context
Some medications need extra caution with this specific dementia type
People with dementia with Lewy bodies can have unusual, sometimes severe reactions to certain medications, particularly some older antipsychotic drugs — an accurate diagnosis helps guide safer treatment choices.
03 · Act
When to Seek Assessment
- 1You or a family member notice memory changes alongside movement difficulties or visual hallucinations
- 2There are significant fluctuations in alertness or confusion from day to day
- 3A diagnosis has been made and you have questions about treatment or support
- 4You're a family carer and would benefit from support services
04 · Prevent & manage
Practical steps
Always Mention This Diagnosis Before Any New Medication Is Prescribed
Because of the risk of unusual reactions to certain medications, always tell any new doctor, dentist, or pharmacist about a dementia with Lewy bodies diagnosis before starting new treatment.
- 1Seek a specialist assessment for an accurate diagnosis.This helps distinguish it from other types of dementia and guides safer, more effective treatment.
- 2Maintain consistent routines.Predictability can help manage confusion and fluctuating alertness.
- 3Always disclose the diagnosis before new medications.This helps avoid medications that can cause unusual or severe reactions in this condition.
- 4Connect with dementia support services.These offer practical guidance and support tailored to the specific challenges of this condition.
- 5Access carer support.Caring for someone with fluctuating symptoms can be particularly challenging — dedicated carer support exists and is worth accessing.
Evidence
References
BarnMD Health Intelligence uses authoritative and clinically relevant sources appropriate to the topic. References are shown so readers can inspect the evidence directly.
- NHS: Dementia with Lewy bodies ↗
Medical information notice
Health education, not individual medical advice
BarnMD Health Library provides general health education for public health literacy. Reading this article does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and this information is not a diagnosis, prescription, or personalised treatment plan. If you have symptoms or concerns about your health, seek appropriate advice from a qualified healthcare professional. If you develop emergency warning signs, seek urgent or emergency medical attention.
BarnMD Bottom Line
Dementia with Lewy bodies is a distinct condition requiring specialist diagnosis, and appropriate treatment can help manage symptoms and support quality of life.
Always mention this diagnosis before starting any new medication, since certain drugs can cause unusual reactions in this specific condition.