Lewy body dementia is a form of dementia characterized by abnormal deposits of a protein called alpha-synuclein that form inside the brain's nerve cells. These deposits are called "Lewy bodies" after the scientist who first described them.

The process that leads to the formation of Lewy bodies is unknown. Areas of the brain involved in thinking and movement are most affected in Lewy body dementia, and a person may experience symptoms similar to those of both Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease.

Lewy body dementia can occur by itself, or together with Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's. It accounts for 15 to 20 percent of all dementias.

>> Learn more about Lewy body dementia…