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Lewy body dementia isn't always marked by memory loss

CBC News' Tashauna Reid explains the movement, sleep and perception changes that can make the condition difficult to recognize.

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CBC News Story of November 1, 2026Trari Newsroom

Why this story? One of CBC News's most watched videos since yesterday, with 140,158 views.

What is Lewy body dementia?

Sleep disturbances, slowed movement and visual hallucinations can be signs of Lewy body dementia, even when memory loss is not the most obvious symptom. CBC News' health explainer brings those less familiar features into focus.

The report follows Patrick Stewart's death. According to a statement cited by CBC, the Star Trek and X-Men actor had been living with Alzheimer's disease and Lewy body dementia.

Dr. Robin Hsiung, a neurologist and researcher at the University of British Columbia, offers a starting point: "You can think of Lewy body dementia as a mix between Parkinson's disease and dementia."

Reid explains that clumps of a protein called alpha-synuclein build up in the brain, interfering with thinking and movement. Sunnybrook neurologist Dr. Mario Masellis describes tremors, stiffness, slower movements and difficulties with walking and balance.

Sleep can change too. McGill University Health Centre neurologist Dr. Philippe Huot describes vivid dreams, nightmares and acting out dreams, as well as disrupted sleep-wake schedules. Visual hallucinations may become more complex as the disease progresses, he says.

Diagnosis can be difficult, the report explains, partly because Lewy body dementia frequently coexists with Alzheimer's. Reid closes by distinguishing symptom relief from slowing the illness: medications can help manage symptoms, but there is no treatment that slows its progression, she reports.

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