Question

1. How does Lewy bodies differ from Alzheimer’s disease?

Answer 1

LEWY BODY DEMENTIA -
• Lewy bodies are protein deposits called alpha synuclein that gets deposited in brain.
In diseased states, these proteins accumulate to form clumps in neurons affecting the normal brain functioning.
• cause - unknown. It is speculated that Lewy body dementia is produced by loss of certain neurons that produce neurotransmitters like dopamine.
• risk factors - familial tendencies, Parkinson's disease, sleep behavioural disorders,etc.

ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE -
•it is a slowly progressing as well as irreversible brain disorder that destroys certain cognitive functions like memory.
•Causes - unknown. Abnormal protein deposits make neurons lose connections with other neurons, leading to cognitive decline.
•stages of Alzheimer's disease
1.mild - patient starts to get lost, has trouble handling bills, normal tasks take more time,etc
2. Moderate - memory loss, confusion, trouble recognising familiar people, may have delusions and hallucinations.
3. Severe - severe brain tissue shrinkage. Patient is completely dependent now

• Both LBD and Alzheimer's disease patient share similar clinical features, however they may be differentiated on basis of -
1.visual hallucinations are more prevalent in patients with Lewy body dementia.
2.patients with Lbd are more likely to suffer from non specific tremors as compared to Alzheimer's patient.
3.a Lewy body patient will wander more as compared to an Alzheimer's patient.
4.Lbd patients are more likely to use antidepressants.