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Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) was first described in 1961, and is now thought to affect more than 130,000 people in the UK, writes Rachel Wooller, outreach worker with the Alzheimer's Society. "Lewy bodies", named after the doctor who identified them in 1912, are small protein deposits found inside the damaged brain cells.

DLB is a progressive disease. This means the symptoms get worse over time. It is distinguishable from Alzheimer's disease by its more rapid progression and its physical symptoms. The commonest features of DLB are memory, word finding and concentration problems, but many people experience hallucinations. The ability to judge distances and spatial relationships can also be impaired. Another feature is physical problems associated with Parkinson's disease: a shuffling gait, tremor and physical rigidity.

People suffering from DLB often find their levels of confusion fluctuate and they experience periods of acute confusion and periods of lucidity in the same day, which can be disconcerting for carers.

DLB can affect anyone, although there are rare instances of genetic inheritance. It is difficult to pinpoint other risk factors, as the causes of this type of dementia are not known. DLB is diagnosed by looking at the cluster of symptoms and by excluding other possible causes. Lewy bodies themselves can be detected only after death.

There is no cure for DLB, but some symptoms respond well to medication. Use of anti-Alzheimer's drugs Aricept, Exelon and Reminyl for DLB suggest that these medications may be effective.

For more information go to www.alzheimers.org.uk , www.nottingham.ac.uk/pathology/lewy/lewyhome.html