Legendary actor Sir Patrick Stewart, best known for his iconic roles in “Star Trek” and “X-Men,” died Wednesday at his Los Angeles home after battling Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia. He was 86.
In a heartfelt statement shared Thursday on Stewart’s Instagram account, his family reflected on his final moments.
“He has been held in the warm embrace of family and friends, surrounded by live music, prayer, tears, laughter, and the kind of profound emotion that only he could inspire after a lifetime of devotion to us all,” the statement read.
“We will forever cherish the peaceful ease and reflection of his invincible grace.”
Patrick Stewart attends New York Magazine’s Vulture Festival LA at Goya Studios on November 12, 2023.
More than 7 million Americans are living with dementia, a progressive condition that affects memory, cognitive abilities and a person’s ability to carry out everyday activities.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most prevalent form of dementia, making up approximately 60% to 70% of cases worldwide. Lewy body dementia, meanwhile, accounts for an estimated 10% to 15% of dementia cases.
Here’s a closer look at Lewy body dementia (LBD), including its causes, warning signs, available treatments and well-known figures who have faced the disease.
What Is Lewy Body Dementia?
Lewy body dementia is a progressive neurological disease that develops when abnormal deposits of a protein called alpha-synuclein accumulate within nerve cells in the brain.
These protein deposits, known as Lewy bodies, interfere with normal brain function and contribute to the gradual deterioration of cognitive and physical abilities.
The condition takes its name from Dr. Friedrich Lewy, a German-born neurologist who first identified the protein deposits in 1912, according to the National Institute on Aging.
Lewy Body Dementia vs. Other Types of Dementia
Although Lewy body dementia and Alzheimer’s disease both cause cognitive decline, they differ in their underlying brain changes and symptoms.
Alzheimer’s disease is primarily associated with the buildup of beta-amyloid plaques and tau protein tangles in the brain. Lewy body dementia, by contrast, involves abnormal deposits of alpha-synuclein.
Dr. Jonathan Fellows of the Michigan Institute for Neurological Disorders (MIND) previously explained to The Post that Lewy body dementia has several defining characteristics that distinguish it from Alzheimer’s.
“LBD has many core clinical features that distinguish this form of dementia from Alzheimer’s disease,” Fellows said.
“Patients can experience fluctuations in their cognition, alertness and attention, which can vary from day to day or even from hour to hour.”
More than 7 million Americans have been diagnosed with dementia, a condition that progressively impairs memory, thinking abilities and the ability to manage everyday activities.
Unlike Alzheimer’s disease, which commonly affects the ability to form new memories, people with Lewy body dementia may still be able to create memories but struggle to recall them later.
Lewy Body Dementia Symptoms and Stages
Although Lewy body dementia does not follow a universally defined staging system like Alzheimer’s disease, it is associated with several hallmark symptoms.
One particularly noticeable sign is a condition commonly referred to as the “Lewy lean.”
“The ‘Lewy lean’ is a term used to describe gait and balance problems associated with LBD,” Fellows explained.
“Patients can have several different variations, including a persistent lean to one side when sitting, standing or walking; difficulty standing upright; difficulty walking straight; and increased falls associated with loss of balance.”
Patrick Stewart attends a conference at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity in Cannes, France, on June 23, 2022.
According to Fellows, people with Lewy body dementia may also experience vivid visual hallucinations and disrupted sleep patterns, sometimes long before more recognizable symptoms of the disease develop.
“A common early feature of LBD includes REM sleep behavior disorder, where patients have vivid dreams and act out their dreams with yelling, kicking or punching during sleep,” he explained. “This sleep disorder often precedes the cognitive symptoms by many years.”
What Causes Lewy Body Dementia?
The precise cause of Lewy body dementia remains unclear. However, scientists believe that genetic predisposition, environmental influences and lifestyle factors may contribute to the development of the condition.
Although LBD is not typically passed down through families, researchers have identified certain genetic variations associated with a higher likelihood of developing the disease, according to the American Brain Foundation.
Life Expectancy With Lewy Body Dementia
Researchers continue to investigate how Lewy body dementia damages the brain and the role abnormal protein deposits play in its progression.
The accumulation of Lewy bodies disrupts communication between brain cells and is linked to the deterioration of neurons responsible for producing essential neurotransmitters.
One of these neurotransmitters, acetylcholine, supports memory formation and learning. Another, dopamine, is involved in controlling movement, cognitive function, behavior, motivation, sleep and emotional regulation.
Robin Williams speaks at the 24th Annual American Cinematheque Awards in 2010. The late actor was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia.
There is currently no cure for Lewy body dementia, so available treatments primarily aim to relieve symptoms and improve patients’ quality of life.
Because LBD shares certain characteristics with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, doctors may prescribe medications commonly used to manage those conditions.
“Cholinesterase inhibitors, such as rivastigmine or donepezil, although not FDA-approved for this condition, can be used to help with cognition, attention and hallucinations,” Fellows explained.
“Symptoms similar to those of patients with Parkinson’s disease can sometimes be managed with levodopa therapy, such as Sinemet.”
Certain atypical antipsychotic medications may be prescribed cautiously to address hallucinations, delusions and agitation. However, Fellows warned that traditional antipsychotics can worsen symptoms and potentially cause serious adverse reactions in people with LBD.
For patients experiencing REM sleep behavior disorder, medications such as melatonin or clonazepam may help manage nighttime disturbances.
Other Celebrities Who Have Battled Lewy Body Dementia
Several prominent entertainers and public figures have been affected by Lewy body dementia.
Actor and comedian Robin Williams was found to have Lewy body disease following an autopsy after his death by suicide in 2014.
Legendary radio host Casey Kasem also battled LBD, although he was initially diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease before doctors identified his condition.
Other notable figures linked to Lewy body dementia include “Golden Girls” actress Estelle Getty and Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Tom Seaver.
Country music icon Glen Campbell also experienced dementia, although his publicly reported diagnosis was Alzheimer’s disease rather than Lewy body dementia.
