Lewy body dementia (LBD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the accumulation of abnormal protein aggregates called Lewy bodies in certain regions of the brain. These protein deposits are found in various areas of the brain, including the cortex, basal ganglia, brain stem, and limbic system.
Cortex
In the cortex, Lewy bodies are found in the frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital, and cingulate regions. They are also present in the hippocampus, which is responsible for memory and learning.
Basal Ganglia
The basal ganglia are a collection of structures located deep in the brain. Lewy bodies are found in the substantia nigra, which is responsible for movement and coordination, and in the striatum, which is responsible for reward and motivation.
Brain Stem
The brain stem is the area of the brain responsible for maintaining basic functions such as breathing and heart rate. Lewy bodies are found in the reticular formation, which is responsible for controlling arousal and sleep.
Limbic System
The limbic system is responsible for emotion and memory. Lewy bodies are found in the amygdala, which is responsible for fear and anxiety, and the hypothalamus, which is responsible for regulating hormones.