What type of dementia is associated with alpha-synuclein aggregates?

The type of dementia that is associated with alpha-synuclein aggregates is Lewy body dementia. This condition is characterized by the presence of Lewy bodies, which are abnormal aggregates of alpha-synuclein protein found within neurons. These aggregates disrupt normal neuronal function and are central to the pathology of Lewy body dementia.

Lewy body dementia often presents with a combination of cognitive decline, visual hallucinations, and Parkinsonian symptoms, such as bradykinesia, rigidity, and tremor, reflecting the overlap with Parkinson's disease, which also features alpha-synuclein pathology.

In contrast, Alzheimer's disease primarily involves the accumulation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles composed of tau protein, while frontotemporal dementia is typically associated with various protein aggregates that include tau and TDP-43. Vascular dementia, on the other hand, arises from cerebrovascular issues and does not involve alpha-synuclein aggregates. Thus, recognizing the specific protein aggregates is crucial in accurately diagnosing and understanding the mechanisms underlying different types of dementia.