Last updated: January 2026
Quick answer
Families often ask what causes Lewy body dementia (LBD) and why symptoms can look so different from other dementias. Lewy body dementia is caused by abnormal protein deposits, called Lewy bodies, that build up in the brain and disrupt thinking, movement, sleep, and behavior.
While there is no cure for LBD, early recognition and specialized memory care can significantly improve safety, comfort, and quality of life for both the aging adult and their family.
LBD affects an estimated one million Americans, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood and frequently misdiagnosed forms of dementia.
Families are often told their loved one has Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease before learning that Lewy Body dementia is the underlying cause.
At The Kensington Falls Church, we frequently support families who arrive after months or years of confusion, unanswered questions, and escalating symptoms.
Understanding what causes Lewy body dementia, how it progresses, and when memory care becomes necessary can help families move from uncertainty to confident planning.
What Is Lewy Body Dementia?
Lewy body dementia is a neurodegenerative disease caused by the buildup of abnormal protein deposits called alpha-synuclein in the brain.
These deposits form “Lewy bodies,” which interfere with normal brain signaling.
What Causes Lewy Body Dementia?
The exact cause of Lewy body dementia is not fully understood.
What is known is that alpha-synuclein proteins misfold and accumulate in the brain, disrupting neurons responsible for thinking, movement, and behavior.
Researchers believe LBD likely develops due to a combination of:
- Genetic predisposition
- Environmental exposures
- Natural aging processes
Ongoing research continues to explore how these factors interact and how future treatments might slow disease progression.
Types of Dementia and How Lewy Body Dementia Differs
Dementia is not a single disease but a broad category that encompasses many conditions that affect cognition and daily functioning.
Types of Dementia
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Lewy body dementia
- Parkinson’s disease dementia
- Vascular dementia
- Frontotemporal dementia
- Mixed dementia
What makes Lewy body dementia distinct is its combination of cognitive decline, motor symptoms, visual hallucinations, and sleep-related disorders, often occurring earlier and more unpredictably than in Alzheimer’s disease.
How Lewy Body Dementia Differs From Alzheimer’s Disease
Lewy body dementia and Alzheimer’s disease both involve abnormal protein accumulation in the brain, but the type of protein and resulting symptoms differ.
Key differences include:
- Visual hallucinations often appear early in LBD
- REM sleep behavior disorder is common in LBD
- Muscle stiffness, tremors, and slow movement resemble Parkinson’s disease
- Memory loss may be mild in early LBD compared to Alzheimer’s
- Falls, dizziness, and autonomic issues often occur earlier in LBD
These differences are critical, as some medications commonly used in Alzheimer’s disease can worsen symptoms in people with Lewy body dementia.
Stages of Lewy Body Dementia and How Symptoms Progress
Lewy body dementia is often discussed in three broad stages: early, middle, and late.
Early Stage
In the early stage, individuals may live independently but experience:
- Visual hallucinations or vivid dreams
- Mild cognitive changes
- Muscle stiffness or slowed movement
- Sleep disturbances
Memory may remain relatively intact, delaying diagnosis.
Middle Stage
As the disease progresses, symptoms intensify:
- Increased confusion and cognitive decline
- Parkinsonian movement symptoms
- Delusions or paranoia
- Difficulty swallowing or speaking
- Increased fall risk
Care needs often exceed what families can safely manage at home during this stage.
Late Stage
In the late stage, individuals become fully dependent on caregivers:
- Severe muscle rigidity
- Limited communication
- Difficulty with all activities of daily living
- High risk of infections such as pneumonia
At this point, comprehensive memory care is typically essential.
How Families Can Best Support A Loved One With LBD
Caring for someone with Lewy body dementia requires education, vigilance, and flexibility. Symptoms can fluctuate dramatically, making care unpredictable.
Important considerations for LBD care planning include:
- Communicating clearly with medical providers about hallucinations and medication sensitivities
- Avoiding certain antipsychotic medications that can worsen symptoms
- Maintaining a calm, structured environment
- Planning ahead for increasing care needs
As symptoms advance, families often reach a point where professional memory care becomes the safest and most supportive option.
Specialized Memory Care At The Kensington Falls Church
The Kensington Falls Church is uniquely equipped to support individuals living with Lewy body dementia.
Our enhanced assisted living and memory care model allows residents to age in place as their needs change.
Key features include:
- Two distinct memory care neighborhoods for different stages of dementia
- 24/7 licensed nursing support
- Secure, thoughtfully designed environments that reduce anxiety and wandering
- Individualized care plans developed by experienced team members
Our care approach supports both the aging adult and their family, offering reassurance during an often overwhelming journey.
Planning Ahead After a Lewy Body Dementia Diagnosis
Lewy body dementia is complex, but families do not have to navigate it alone.
With early education, proactive planning, and the right care environment, it is possible to preserve dignity, comfort, and safety throughout every stage.
Are you caring for someone with Lewy body dementia and wondering whether memory care is the right next step? We invite you to speak with a care advisor at The Kensington Falls Church.
Contact The Kensington Falls Church to schedule a conversation or tour and learn how we can support your family.
Frequently Asked Questions: Lewy Body Dementia Causes
Lewy body dementia is caused by abnormal deposits of alpha-synuclein proteins in the brain that disrupt cognitive, motor, and behavioral function.
No, but they are closely related. Lewy body dementia shares movement symptoms with Parkinson’s disease and cognitive symptoms with Alzheimer’s disease.
Symptoms overlap with other dementias and can fluctuate, making diagnosis difficult without specialized neurological evaluation.
Memory care is often appropriate when safety risks increase, hallucinations worsen, or caregiving demands exceed what families can manage at home.
There is no cure, but symptoms can be managed with supportive therapies, careful medication use, and specialized memory care environments.