While Alzheimer’s disease receives significant attention, another neurodegenerative illness-Lewy body dementia-impacts a substantial number of individuals, with today, January 28, 2026, marking its global awareness day. The condition, which affects an estimated 250,000 people in France alone, is ofen misdiagnosed due to overlapping symptoms with other illnesses and a general lack of public understanding, as tragically exemplified by the recent passing of former television personality Catherine Laborde. This article explores the complexities of lewy body dementia, its distinctions from Alzheimer’s, and current approaches to diagnosis and care.
Alzheimer’s disease isn’t the only neurodegenerative condition that can cause memory loss after age 50. Lewy body dementia – officially known as dementia with Lewy bodies – is another debilitating illness, and its global awareness day is observed this Wednesday, January 28, 2026. This condition tragically claimed the life of Catherine Laborde, the former weather presenter on TF1, who passed away last year at the age of 73 after living with the disease since 2014.
A Difficult Disease to Identify
Described by France Alzheimer as a “complex neurodegenerative disease,” Lewy body dementia was first identified in the 1960s and more precisely defined in the mid-1990s. Like Alzheimer’s, it impacts memory and cognitive abilities. The disease is characterized by abnormal deposits of a protein called alpha-synuclein, affecting brain areas responsible for thinking and movement. Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for managing neurodegenerative diseases and improving patient outcomes.
An estimated 250,000 people in France are affected, yet only 67% have actually been diagnosed. Lewy body dementia is often overlooked due to its relative obscurity and symptoms that overlap with other degenerative conditions, making it challenging to detect.
How Does it Differ from Alzheimer’s Disease?
Beyond cognitive impairment, several clinical signs can help diagnose Lewy body dementia. Unlike Alzheimer’s, this condition is often accompanied by motor problems, though typically milder than those seen in Parkinson’s disease. These can manifest as stiffness, slowed movement, or falls.
Another specific symptom involves cardiac changes. The Fondation Vaincre Alzheimer notes that blood pressure can fluctuate significantly, sometimes dropping from 15 to 10, leading to fainting spells.
Cardiac scintigraphy helps doctors distinguish Lewy body dementia from Alzheimer’s disease.
Hallucinations are also a distinctive sign of Lewy body dementia, though patients generally recognize that what they are seeing or hearing isn’t real. Depressive symptoms and mood disturbances are also common.
Additional symptoms, some shared with Alzheimer’s, can also raise concern. Individuals may experience difficulty with logical reasoning, multitasking, memory, and sleep.
The progression of Lewy body dementia varies considerably from person to person.
What Treatments are Available?
Diagnosing Lewy body dementia can be difficult due to the wide range of symptoms, requiring a comprehensive evaluation. Doctors utilize various tests, including cerebral scintigraphy with ioflupane (DAT scan), MRI, sleep studies (polysomnography), and cardiac scintigraphy to rule out Alzheimer’s disease.
Currently, there is no cure for Lewy body dementia. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and slowing disease progression. Medications like cholinesterase inhibitors can help alleviate cognitive symptoms.
Drugs used to treat Parkinson’s disease, such as levodopa, can improve walking. Low-dose clozapine can reduce hallucinations, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors may be prescribed for depression.
It’s important to note that Lewy body dementia typically begins after the age of 50.
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