Lewy bodies

/ ˈluːɪ /

plural noun

1. abnormal proteins that occur in the nerve cells of the cerebral cortex and the basal ganglia, causing Parkinson's disease and dementia

Word History and Origins

Origin of Lewy bodies¹

C20: named after F. H. Lewy (1885–1950), German neurologist

Example Sentences

As the protein builds up, it forms clumps known as "Lewy" bodies that are a pathological hallmark of Parkinson's disease.

From Science Daily

When proteins misfold, they can form abnormal clusters called Lewy bodies, which build up within brain cells stopping them from functioning properly.

From Science Daily

A new study from Van Andel Institute scientists offers a first look into the complex molecular changes that occur in brain cells with Lewy bodies, which are key pathological hallmarks of Parkinson's disease and some dementias.

From Science Daily

The findings, published in the journal Nature Communications, reveal that brain cells with Lewy bodies exhibit a specific gene expression pattern akin to a disease-related fingerprint.

From Science Daily

"We've long known that Lewy bodies play a role in Parkinson's and other neurodegenerative diseases but there are still many unanswered questions. Why are some cells more susceptible to Lewy bodies than others? How do Lewy bodies actually affect cells?" said VAI Assistant Professor Michael Henderson, Ph.D., the study's corresponding author.

From Science Daily