Lewy body disease, a neurodegenerative disease often mistaken for Parkinson's or Alzheimer's

2024-01-26 17:24:08

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The disease is characterized by abnormal protein deposits in neurons, leading to defects in brain function. The symptoms depend on the areas where these deposits are located, which explains their variation from one patient to another. Vladislav – stock.adobe.com

Visual hallucinations, anxiety, walking and sleeping disorders… Focus on this little-known disease which affects around 200,000 people in France, two thirds of whom are not correctly diagnosed.

Initially, it can be mistaken for depression or for the beginnings of Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease. But Lewy body disease (or “Lewy body dementia”) is a pathology in its own right. Former weather presenter Catherine Laborde has let it be known that she has it. Between 150,000 and 250,000 people are affected in France, making it the second largest neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s.

Because the symptoms vary greatly from one patient to another and because they are common to other widespread illnesses, diagnosis is not simple. Two thirds of patients are currently living in ignorance of their illness or with a wrong diagnosis, according to the Association of Caregivers and Patients with Lewy Bodies (A2MCL), which is organizing this Sunday the first world day dedicated to this pathology. What are the symptoms ? And how can you avoid missing the diagnosis? Le Figaro make the point.