British actor Patrick Stewart, best known for his roles in the "Star Trek" and "X-Men" series, has died at the age of 86 at his home in Los Angeles, after suffering from Alzheimer's disease and Lewy body dementia.
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A statement posted Thursday on his Instagram page read: "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Sir Patrick Stewart yesterday at his home in Los Angeles, where he was being cared for by his beloved wife, Sunny, following a short but moving battle with Alzheimer's disease and Lewy body dementia."
The statement added that he was surrounded by his family and friends, amidst music, prayer, and tears, in celebration of his life and profound impact. It further stated that his memory will be cherished for his "calm and dignity."
More than 57 million people worldwide are currently living with dementia, according to the latest official statistics from the World Health Organization. Dementia is not a single disease, but rather a term describing a group of conditions that cause a gradual decline in memory and thinking skills, with Alzheimer's disease being the most common form, followed by Lewy body dementia as the second most common type of degenerative dementia.
It is a progressive neurological disorder caused by the accumulation of the protein "alpha-synuclein" inside nerve cells, leading to multiple symptoms, such as movement disorders and hallucinations.
The name "Lewy bodies" is associated with this disorder after Dr. Friedrich Lewy, who first observed them in 1912.
Alzheimer's disease is primarily characterized by the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques and tau protein tangles, not by Lewy bodies. Lewy body dementia differs clinically in that patients experience fluctuations in cognition, alertness, and attention that can change from day to day or even hour to hour. They can form new memories, but find it difficult to retrieve them, unlike Alzheimer's patients.
Patients can be exposed to two or more types of dementia, as happened with Stewart's diagnosis of Lewy body dementia and Alzheimer's disease at the same time. This condition is medically known as "Mixed Dementia".
Unlike Alzheimer's disease, Lewy body dementia doesn't progress through stages. Instead, it manifests with movement problems known as Lewy tendencies, leading to unsteady balance and difficulty walking. Patients may also experience visual hallucinations and sleep disturbances before cognitive symptoms appear.
The exact causes are still unknown, but a combination of genetic and environmental factors is believed to play a role. Although the disease is not generally hereditary, certain genetic variations may increase the risk of developing it.
There is no cure for Lewy body dementia, but symptoms can be managed with cholinesterase inhibitors and treatments similar to those for Parkinson's disease. It is important to avoid traditional antipsychotics, which may worsen the condition.
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