An exploratory remote pilot study of environmental risk factors for Lewy body dementia considering sex differences

Lewy body dementia (LBD), including Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), is a common dementia that currently lacks disease modification. While studies in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases underscore the contribution of environmental factors with sex differences, knowledge on LBD environmental risk factors remains limited. We conducted an exploratory remote pilot survey, including data on residential history, chemical exposure, smoking, and alcohol use, for people with LBD ( n = 130; 51 females, 79 males) and age-matched controls ( n = 124; 64 females, 60 males). Associations with LBD risk for each environmental factor were assessed in the overall cohort and stratified by sex and LBD subtype (DLB or PDD). Metal exposure was associated with a higher risk of LBD. Alcohol and smoking were associated with a higher risk, particularly for males; glue/adhesives and not living in the suburbs were associated with a higher risk, particularly for females. Environmental factors likely play a role in LBD with potential sex differences.