Brazilian Music Icon Milton Nascimento Diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia
Brazilian musical legend Milton Nascimento, 82, has been diagnosed with dementia with Lewy bodies (DCL), his family confirmed to Piauí magazine on Thursday, May 2nd. The diagnosis follows examinations conducted in April of this year which revealed cognitive decline, a condition currently without a cure.
The family first noticed changes in NascimentoS behavior around 2025, prompting his longtime physician, Dr. Weverton Siqueira, to order further testing after observing memory lapses and alterations in his demeanor. Symptoms included a persistent, fixed gaze, repetitive storytelling, and shifts in his eating habits. This diagnosis is in addition to Nascimento’s pre-existing Parkinson’s disease.
Nascimento concluded his decades-long performance career in 2022 with “The Last Music Session” tour, but remained creatively engaged in musical projects following his retirement.He was recently honored at the 2024 Rio Carnival by the Portela samba school, whose theme – “Singing will be to get the path that will take in the sun” – paid tribute to his artistry.
The family has requested privacy and stated they will not be releasing further details regarding the diagnosis.
Understanding Dementia with Lewy Bodies
DCL accounts for approximately 10% of all dementia cases worldwide, making it the second most common form of neurodegenerative dementia after Alzheimer’s disease. The condition primarily affects individuals over 65, with incidence increasing after age 70.
DCL is characterized by the buildup of abnormal alpha-synuclein proteins within neurons, disrupting normal brain function and impacting essential cognitive processes. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms. Medications used for alzheimer’s, such as cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine, can definitely help with cognitive symptoms, while levodopa, which boosts dopamine levels, is frequently enough prescribed for motor symptoms.
DCL vs.Parkinson’s Disease
While both Parkinson’s and DCL share some underlying pathological similarities,their clinical presentations differ. In Parkinson’s disease, motor symptoms typically precede cognitive decline, with memory being primarily affected in later stages of dementia.
With DCL, cognitive impairment emerges before motor symptoms. The condition tends to impact executive functions – such as planning and decision-making – more significantly than memory. Doctors often utilize the “1 year rule” to differentiate between the two: if dementia develops more than a year after the onset of motor symptoms, Parkinson’s is the more likely diagnosis.
Currently, no definitive genetic causes for DCL have been identified. Potential environmental risk factors include exposure to pesticides, pollution, lack of physical activity, obesity, and untreated cardiovascular conditions.
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