Lewy body dementia (LBD) is a progressive condition. The average life expectancy is around 5 to 8 years following a diagnosis, but it can be up to 20 years. There is no cure for LBD, but treatment can manage the symptoms.

LBD is a progressive brain disorder that occurs due to atypical deposits of a protein called alpha-synuclein that build up in different parts of the brain. This atypical collection of alpha-synuclein is known as Lewy bodies.

LBD is the overarching term for two related conditions. If a person has LBD, they either have dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) or Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD).

It typically first appears in people ages 50 years and older, but the symptoms can sometimes begin at a younger age. The speed at which the disease progresses will dependTrusted Source on the severity of the symptoms, a person’s age, and overall health.

This article discusses whether LBD is a fatal condition. It also looks at life expectancy after receiving a diagnosis and the available treatment options.

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LBD is a progressive condition with no cure and no way to prevent it from progressing. However, some medications can help manage symptoms.

A person’s outlook can vary depending onTrusted Source the:

  • disease severity level
  • antipsychotic drug use
  • time before diagnosis

It is not always LBD that causes a fatality. People can die from complications of LBD, such as falls or pneumonia.

The average life expectancy following an LBD diagnosis can vary greatly, from months to 20 years.

The National Institute on Aging and the National Library of Medicine (NLM) state that the average time from diagnosis to death for people with LBD is between 5 and 7 yearsTrusted Source.

A person’s life expectancy will depend on disease severity, time of diagnosis, their overall health, and several other factors.

There are different stages in LBD that vary depending on how far the disease is present within the brain:

  • Stage 1: Olfactory bulb only
  • Stage 2a: Brainstem predominant
  • Stage 2b: Limbic predominant
  • Stage 3: Brainstem and limbic
  • Stage 4: Neocortical

People with stage 3 and 4 LBD progression typically have a shorter life expectancy than those at other stages.

Treating LBD focuses on managing the symptoms, which can include:

  • issues with mental abilities, including judgment, language, understanding, memory, and thinking speed
  • hallucinations
  • challenges with movement, such as tremors and stiff limbs
  • disturbed sleep
  • depression
  • difficulty swallowing
  • fainting and unsteadiness
  • swings between being alert and being confused or sleepy

The treatment options vary depending on individual circumstances, but they may include:

Medications

Different medications can treat certain LBD symptoms, such as confusion, disturbed sleep, drowsiness, hallucinations, and movement problems.

A doctor may prescribe the followingTrusted Source:

  • cholinesterase inhibitors to help manage the cognitive (thinking) symptoms of LBD
  • levodopa to treat tremors and other symptoms similar to those of Parkinson’s
  • melatonin and clonazepam to treat disturbed sleep
  • antidepressants to treat depression and anxiety in people with LBD

However, it is important to note that doctors should use antipsychotic drugs with extreme cautionTrusted Source in those with LBD. Up to 50% of people with LBD who take prescription antipsychotic medications experience a severe adverse reaction, with symptoms that includeTrusted Source:

  • confusion
  • low blood pressure, which can result in fainting
  • extreme sleepiness

In rare cases, neuroleptic malignant syndrome can occur, which includes the following symptoms:

  • high fever
  • muscle tissue breakdown
  • muscle rigidity

Therapies

Healthcare professionals may recommend several therapies as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, depending on a person’s circumstances. These can include:

  • Lifestyle interventions: Lifestyle interventions are a form of treatment in which people make healthier, self-directed changes to their daily lives. For LBD, these interventions typically include eating a nutritious diet, exercising, and remaining socially active.
  • Occupational therapy: Occupational therapists teach people with LBD how to take care of themselves. This approach often includes exercises and activities that help individuals improve their skills and maintain their abilities.
  • Physical therapy: This form of treatment uses exercise, therapy, and self-care to restore mobility and reduce pain.
  • Speech therapy: Speech therapists can provide speech therapy to those with low voice volume, enunciation issues, low muscular strength, or problems swallowing.
  • Music therapy: Music may be an effective way to reduce anxiety and improve mood, but more research is necessary to confirm this.
  • Aromatherapy: Anecdotal evidence suggests that certain scents, such as lavender, peppermint, rosemary, and eucalyptus, may help lower anxiety levels.

Support groups may be a beneficial option for caregivers, friends, and family members of those with LBD.

Lewy body dementia (LBD) is a degenerative disease of the brain. The disease causes symptoms that include visual hallucinations, sleep behavior disorder, cognitive (thinking) fluctuations, slowed movement, and muscle stiffness.

LBD is a progressive disease with no cure. The average life expectancy ranges from 2 to 20 years, but most people live for 5 to 7 years after receiving a diagnosis.

Although there is no cure for LBD, treatment can help manage the symptoms.