Quick Answer
Alzheimer’s is best known for memory loss, and Parkinson’s for changes in movement. With Lewy body dementia, alertness that comes and goes and hallucinations are often standout symptoms. Over time, memory loss can come with any of the three.
Understanding the differences between Lewy body dementia and Alzheimer’s can provide clarity when dementia symptoms diverge from typical Alzheimer’s presentations.
Key Takeaways
- Not every dementia looks like Alzheimer’s, and memory loss isn’t always the first change families notice.
- Alertness that comes and goes, and hallucinations point more toward Lewy body dementia than Alzheimer’s.
- Parkinson’s is marked by movement changes, with cognitive changes possible years after a diagnosis.
- A neurologist is the doctor best suited to determine which condition your loved one has.
- Memory care at The Kensington Bethesda supports residents living with all three conditions.
Lewy Body Dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s Side by Side
Any of these changes can have other causes, such as an infection or a medication side effect. That’s especially true when a change comes on suddenly. A doctor will rule those out before diagnosing dementia or Parkinson’s.
The table shows patterns, not a diagnosis, and your loved one may not match every row.
| What you might notice | How likely in Lewy body dementia | How likely in Alzheimer’s | How likely in Parkinson’s |
| Significant memory loss | Possible | Likely | Possible, years after diagnosis |
| Slowness, stiffness, or shuffling steps | Likely | Unlikely | Likely |
| Alertness that comes and goes from day to day | Likely | Possible | Possible |
| Seeing things that aren’t there | Likely | Unlikely | Possible |
| Acting out dreams during sleep | Possible | Unlikely | Possible |
Have questions about how these conditions look day to day? Our team at The Kensington Bethesda cares for residents living with each of them. We’re glad to answer your questions anytime.
The recorded conversation below brings together specialists from the Lewy Body Dementia Association, the Parkinson’s Foundation, and the Alzheimer’s Association.
What Is Lewy Body Dementia?
Lewy body dementia is a progressive brain condition. It’s named for Lewy bodies, clumps of a protein that build up in the brain and affect how it works. Over time, they can change thinking, movement, sleep, and behavior.
The name is an umbrella for two related diagnoses: dementia with Lewy bodies and Parkinson’s disease dementia. The difference is which changes come first. In dementia with Lewy bodies, changes in thinking usually come first.
In Parkinson’s disease dementia, movement changes come first, and dementia follows.
About 1.4 million Americans are living with Lewy body dementia, most often after age 50. It’s the second leading cause of progressive dementia after Alzheimer’s.
The Lewy Body Dementia Association calls it the most misdiagnosed form of dementia. Specialists who know it well may diagnose it accurately up to 90% of the time.
Forgetting isn’t always the first of the early signs of dementia, especially with Lewy body dementia.
Lewy Body Dementia vs. Alzheimer’s: Where They Differ
The biggest difference between Lewy body dementia and Alzheimer’s is memory. Memory loss is the hallmark of Alzheimer’s. In Lewy body dementia, it’s possible, but it may not be what stands out first.
Alertness is another way the two conditions differ. With Lewy body dementia, attention and alertness are likely to come and go. Someone may be clear in the morning and distant by afternoon, then clear again the next day. In Alzheimer’s, that kind of swing is possible but less expected.
A few more changes point toward Lewy body dementia rather than Alzheimer’s:
- Seeing things that aren’t there: likely in Lewy body dementia, unlikely in Alzheimer’s
- Slowness, stiffness, or shuffling steps: likely in Lewy body dementia, unlikely in Alzheimer’s
- Acting out dreams during sleep: possible in Lewy body dementia, unlikely in Alzheimer’s
No single one of these settles it. Together, they’re what a neurologist listens for, and your description gives them something to go on.
Whatever the diagnosis, a familiar daily rhythm can bring comfort. Our memory care in Bethesda follows a Life Enrichment calendar seven days a week, morning to evening.
Seeing a day in memory care tells you more than any table can. Our team is glad to show you Connections and Haven on a private tour, with your loved one or without.
Schedule a Tour of Our Memory Care Neighborhoods
How Does Parkinson’s Disease Dementia Fit In?
Parkinson’s disease dementia is the name used when dementia develops in someone already living with Parkinson’s, sometimes years after diagnosis.
Parkinson’s itself is marked by movement. Slowness, stiffness, shuffling steps, or tremor are its main signs. Significant memory loss is possible years after diagnosis, and not everyone with Parkinson’s develops it.
Parkinson’s can also bring alertness that comes and goes, seeing things that aren’t there, and acting out dreams.
If your loved one already has a Parkinson’s diagnosis, none of this says what’s ahead for them. It means that if thinking changes come, they have a name, and care built for them already exists.
Balance work, easier-to-swallow meals, and help dressing are part of Parkinson’s care in Bethesda, with or without thinking changes.
Talking With Your Loved One’s Doctor
Your loved one’s regular doctor is a good first call. They can check for other causes, such as an infection, and refer you to a neurologist for evaluation.
Because Lewy body dementia is often misdiagnosed, it’s fair to ask whether it has been considered. There’s no cure, but medicines can ease symptoms.
A short note of symptoms you’ve witnessed, with rough dates, is a good thing to bring along. It stays useful long after that visit, through the next steps after a dementia diagnosis.
Memory Care for Each Condition at The Kensington Bethesda
Memory care at The Kensington Bethesda supports conditions including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Lewy body dementia. Our memory care team’s training includes Parkinson’s-related dementia. Licensed nurses are on site day and night and manage medications.
Support grows with your loved one
- The Kensington Club is a program within assisted living for residents with mild memory changes.
- Connections is a memory care neighborhood for residents with early- to mid-stage memory loss who still maintain a good deal of independence.
- Haven is for later-stage dementia, with a focus on comfort and calm.
Daily life in Connections and Haven includes:
- Calming sensory elements and personalized suite decor
- Music Therapy, Art Therapy, and small-group Pocket Programs matched to interests and abilities
- Dining programs for residents with swallowing or motor challenges
We’re in Bethesda’s Kenwood neighborhood, on Westbard Avenue, near the northwest border of Washington, DC. When more support is needed, memory care at The Kensington Bethesda is right here. Your loved one can stay in one community as needs change.
This article is for general information and isn’t medical advice. Please talk with your loved one’s doctor or a neurologist about any changes you see.
Bring Your Questions to The Kensington Bethesda
Lewy body dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s are three different conditions, and our team cares for residents living with each one.
Our Promise is to love and care for your family as we do our own.
Sorting out Lewy body dementia vs. Alzheimer’s is a neurologist’s job. Caring for the person, whichever name the diagnosis ends up with, is ours.
We’d love to hear about your loved one. Contact our team at The Kensington Bethesda.
Visit us at 5485 Westbard Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20816, or call (240) 752-8600. We’re glad to set up a private tour or simply talk. Come as you are, with whatever answers you have so far.
FAQs: Lewy Body Dementia vs. Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s
Alzheimer’s is best known for memory loss, while Lewy body dementia often brings alertness that comes and goes. Seeing things that aren’t there also points more toward Lewy body dementia.
Lewy body dementia symptoms can include day-to-day changes in alertness, slowness, and seeing things that aren’t there. Any new change is good to describe to the doctor.
Parkinson’s disease dementia is one of two diagnoses under the Lewy body dementia umbrella. It’s the name used when dementia develops after a Parkinson’s diagnosis, sometimes years later.
A neurologist is recommended, since they’re trained to distinguish different dementias and movement conditions. Your loved one’s regular doctor can help you find one.
Yes, memory care at The Kensington Bethesda supports conditions including Lewy body dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s. Our team’s training includes Parkinson’s-related dementia, and residents can stay in one community as needs change.