What is Lewy Body Dementia? Patrick Stewart cause of death explained

• English actor Patrick Stewart, who was known for his roles in X-Men and Star Trek, has died at the age of 86, his family announced on Thursday. He was 86.
• Stewart died Wednesday at his home in Los Angeles after a “brief and poignant journey with Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia,” his spokesperson said.
• Lewy body dementia (LBD) is a progressive brain disorder caused by abnormal clumps of a protein called alpha-synuclein, known as Lewy bodies, building up inside brain cells, the UK Dementia Research Institute states.
• The NHS website lists symptoms including: hallucinations and hearing voices, problems with understanding, thinking, memory and judgement, confusion or sleepiness and slow movement, stiff limbs and tremors.
• There is currently no cure for dementia with Lewy bodies or any treatment that will slow it down, the NHS states.

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Patrick Stewart death updates: Star Trek and X-Men star dies aged 86