By Fatma Younis
Actor Sir Patrick Stewart, known for "Star Trek" and "X-Men," died Wednesday at age 86 following what his spokesperson described as a "brief and poignant journey with Alzheimer's disease and Lewy body dementia."
Lewy Body Dementia: Symptoms and Prevalence
Lewy body dementia, also called dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), affects an estimated 100,000 people in the UK. While records show about 5% of dementia diagnoses are DLB, scientists believe it is under-diagnosed, with the true figure possibly reaching 20%. The condition typically affects older adults, with cases under 65 rare. Awareness increased after comedian Robin Williams was posthumously diagnosed in 2014.
Key Symptoms and Causes
According to the NHS, symptoms include visual and auditory hallucinations, cognitive issues with understanding, memory, and judgment, sudden confusion or sleepiness, slow movement, tremors, disturbed sleep often with violent movements, fainting, balance problems, depression, and anxiety. The condition is caused by protein deposits called Lewy bodies forming inside brain cells. Most cases are sporadic with no identifiable cause, and lifestyle factors appear unrelated, though genetics may play a role in some instances.
Treatment and Progression
There is no cure, but treatments can ameliorate symptoms: medication, psychological, speech, and physical therapies. DLB is progressive and degenerative, with varying rates of decline. Average survival after diagnosis is five to seven years, though some live longer.
Alzheimer's Disease Overview
Alzheimer's affects an estimated one in 14 people over 65 and one in six over 80. Early-onset occurs before 65. Like DLB, it is progressive, starting with minor memory problems. Advanced symptoms include confusion, disorientation, difficulty planning, speech and language problems, mobility issues, behavioral changes, paranoia, hallucinations, depression, and anxiety. The NHS describes it as a "life-limiting illness" that can cause swallowing difficulties leading to chest infections. Lifespan and degeneration rates vary.
Risk Reduction
The NHS recommends lifestyle measures to reduce risk or delay onset: stopping smoking, reducing alcohol, healthy diet, and staying physically fit. Anyone experiencing memory loss should consult a doctor.
