Lewy

Lewy bodies are abnormal aggregates of protein that develop inside nerve cells in Parkinson's disease (PD), Lewy body dementia, and some other disorders. They take their name from the neurologist Friedrich H. Lewy, who first described them while working in the laboratory of Alois Alzheimer in the early 20th century.

History

Friedrich Heinrich Lewy (1885–1950) was a German-born American neurologist. In 1912, while working in the Alois Alzheimer's Munich laboratory, he discovered abnormal protein deposits that disrupt the brain's normal functioning in people with Parkinson's Disease and dementia, which were later named after him.

Structure and composition

Lewy bodies are made up of a protein called alpha-synuclein. When this protein builds up, it can form clumps in the brain that can damage and kill neurons. These clumps are what form the Lewy bodies.

Diseases associated with Lewy bodies

Lewy bodies are associated with various diseases, most notably:

• Parkinson's disease (PD): A neurodegenerative disorder characterized by tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination.
• Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB): A type of progressive dementia that leads to a decline in thinking, reasoning, and independent function.
• Multiple system atrophy (MSA): A rare neurodegenerative disorder characterized by autonomic dysfunction, parkinsonism, and ataxia.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of diseases associated with Lewy bodies is often difficult, as the symptoms can be similar to those of other conditions such as Alzheimer's disease. However, certain imaging tests and the presence of other symptoms can help in the diagnosis.

Treatment

There is currently no cure for diseases associated with Lewy bodies. Treatment is usually focused on managing symptoms and can include medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes.

See also

• Neurodegeneration
• Neurofibrillary tangle
• Senile plaques