Researchers identify two progression pathways for Lewy body dementia

Researchers from Severance Hospital and Yonsei University College of Medicine have identified two distinct progression pathways for Lewy body dementia. The study, published in the journal ‘Brain’, suggests that the disease follows different trajectories depending on whether amyloid accumulation or dopamine system degeneration occurs first.

In the first type, amyloid accumulation precedes decreased cerebral perfusion and subsequent dopamine deficiency in the basal ganglia. This group exhibits brain atrophy patterns similar to Alzheimer’s disease. In the second type, dopamine deficiency occurs first, followed by reduced perfusion and amyloid accumulation. This group more frequently presents with visual hallucinations and REM sleep behavior disorder.

By utilizing AI analysis on PET scans from 83 patients, the research team was able to distinguish these pathways. This finding is expected to provide a foundation for personalized treatments and more effective clinical trial designs based on a patient's specific pathological characteristics.