LEWY BODY DISEASE

Lewy bodies have historically been considered a histopathologic hallma rk of idiopathic Parkinson's disease. Recently, it has become clear th at Lewy bodies play a role in neurodegenerative processes other than i diopathic Parkinson's disease, including diffuse Lewy body disease and diffuse Lewy bodies with concomitant Alzheimer's disease changes. It is likely that these processes represent a spectrum of neurodegenerati ve change in which Lewy bodies play a pivotal role. Although much is k nown and has been written regarding the histopathology and pathophysio logy of Lewy body diseases, specific criteria for their diagnosis rema in problematic. Within the spectrum of Lewy body disease, overlap in c linical presentation and histopathologic findings has caused some to d ismiss attempts at subcategorizing Lewy body disease as artificial. We present, in brief, current information and theories concerning the pa thology and pathogenesis of Lewy body disease.