A recently published systemic review and meta-analysis by Urso et al. provides new estimates of how often dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) occurs and how common it is across different age groups¹.

DLB is the second most common cause of degenerative dementia after Alzheimer’s disease. It is associated with the buildup of phosphorylated alpha-synuclein protein (P-SYN) in the brain, forming structures known as Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites. DLB can be challenging to recognize because its symptoms and underlying pathology can overlap with other neurological conditions¹.

To better understand how often DLB occurs, Urso et al. systematically reviewed studies that reported the incidence or prevalence of DLB in global populations. Studies included population-based cohort studies and registry studies using validated DLB diagnostic criteria or standardized diagnostic codes from patient data¹. 12 studies met inclusion criteria for the review and were included in the meta-analysis¹.

The authors found that the overall estimated incidence of DLB was 4.79 cases per 100,000 people each year (95% CI, 3.90-5.88). Because only one study reported overall prevalence across all ages, the researchers could not calculate a pooled prevalence estimate. That study reported a prevalence of 19.13 cases per 100,000 people (95% CI, 15.38-23.51). Overall, the authors noted a slightly greater incidence in males compared to females and a significantly greater incidence in people older than 65.

As expected, DLB was much more common among older adults. Among people younger than 65, the estimated incidence was 0.34 per 100,000 people each year, with a prevalence of 2.52 per 100,000 people. Among people 65 and older, incidence increased to 46.85 cases per 100,000 people each year, while prevalence increased to 353.26 cases per 100,000 people ¹.

These findings confirm the strong relationship between age and DLB, while also conveying that DLB also occurs in people younger than 65¹.

This highlights the importance of including DLB in a differential diagnosis, even in younger people, as characterizing DLB as solely late onset may exclude some at-risk people and potentially delay appropriate care.

A Better Understanding of DLB

This study provides a more complete picture of how frequently DLB occurs across different populations and age groups. It also identifies the importance of continued efforts to improve and standardize the diagnosis of DLB.

Read the review here

Sources

1. Urso D, Giannoni-Luza S, Giannelli T, Brayne C, Ray N, Logroscino G. Incidence and Prevalence of Dementia With Lewy Bodies: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JAMA Neurol. 2026;83(7):685–693. doi:10.1001/jamaneurol.2026.1206