Lewy body dementia (LBD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the accumulation of abnormal protein deposits called Lewy bodies in the brain. These deposits are made up of a protein called alpha-synuclein, which is found in nerve cells.
Lewy bodies can accumulate in both the cortex and subcortical areas of the brain. In the cortex, they are found primarily in regions responsible for executive functions, such as planning, organization, and problem-solving. They are also found in the hippocampus, which is involved in memory formation and recall. In the subcortical areas, Lewy bodies are found mainly in the basal ganglia, which is responsible for motor control and reward processing.
In addition to these areas, Lewy bodies can also be found in the brainstem. This is the area of the brain responsible for regulating many of our autonomic functions, such as heart rate and digestion. Finally, Lewy bodies can also accumulate in the amygdala, which is responsible for processing emotions.
All of these areas are affected in LBD, resulting in a variety of cognitive, behavioral, and physical symptoms. The accumulation of Lewy bodies in these areas of the brain is a key marker of the disease and is associated with the progressive deterioration of brain function that occurs in LBD.