Lewy body dementia (LBD) is a syndrome of severe cognitive impairment that results from diseases such as dementia with Lewy bodies and Parkinson’s disease dementia. Together, these conditions affect an estimated 1.4 million Americans. The Johns Hopkins team of LBD specialists offers unique expertise backed by years of research to help you manage this condition.

Dr. Alexander Pantelyat, Director of the Atypical Parkinsonism Center at Johns Hopkins.

Lewy Body Dementia Treatment: Why Choose Johns Hopkins

• Johns Hopkins is poised to advance LBD treatment and is proud to be recognized by the Lewy Body Dementia Association as a Research Center of Excellence. 
• The large number of LBD patients we see gives our team rare expertise in assessing and treating this form of dementia.
• Our multidisciplinary approach aims to make the most of each person’s function, independence and quality of life.
• Monthly multidisciplinary clinics focused on LBD and other atypical Parkinsonian disorders ensure our clinicians are sharing valuable clinical and research insights with each other and other members of your care team.

Lewy Body Dementia Treatment at Johns Hopkins: What to Expect

Your first visit will include a detailed interview to discuss your symptoms, medical history, living and social situation, and any relevant diseases that run in your family. One of the LBD experts on our team will also conduct a thorough neurological exam. Additional testing, such as a blood test, brain scan or sleep study, may be needed to clarify the diagnosis. If you are visiting us from another area, we will forward our assessment to your local neurologist who can follow your progress.

Certain features distinguish LBD from Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia:

• Fluctuations in mental functioning
• Recurrent visual hallucinations
• Parkinson’s-like movement challenges
• Lack of spontaneous movement
• Many other symptoms associated with LBD

You and your care team will determine a custom treatment plan to help manage these and many other challenges of living with Lewy body dementia.

Lewy Body Dementia Multidisciplinary Clinic

You will also get an annual appointment with our multidisciplinary team at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center. The team includes neurologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists and a social worker, all specializing in helping people with LBD and other atypical Parkinsonism disorders.