What is Lewy body dementia? The disease behind the death of Jeff Bezos’ mother, Jackie Bezos

Jackie Bezos, Jeff Bezos' mother and one of the first investors in Amazon, passed away at the age of 78 on Thursday (August 14, 2025) in Miami. Bezos said on social media that his mother had Lewy body dementia, a neurological disorder. Jackie Bezos was born in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 29, 1946. She was raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she had her first child, Jeff, at 17. She is survived by her husband, her three children, 11 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild, the family foundation said.

Bezos was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia in 2020, the Bezos Family Foundation said in a statement. She was president of the foundation, which she started with her husband in 2000 to provide educational grants.

What is Lewy body dementia?

Also known as LBD, Lewy body dementia is the second most common type of dementia after Alzheimer's disease. Two forms of LBD cause cognitive symptoms: dementia with Lewy bodies and Parkinson's disease dementia, according to Mayo Clinic. Protein deposits called Lewy bodies develop in nerve cells in the brain, affecting brain regions involved in thinking, memory, and movement.

The person suffering from Lewy body dementia witnesses a decline in mental abilities that gradually gets worse over time. Those suffering from this disease might see things that are not there, known as visual hallucinations. They may also have changes in alertness and attention.
People with Lewy body dementia commonly have symptoms of Parkinson's disease including rigid muscles, slow movement, trouble walking, and tremors.
Symptoms

Lewy body dementia symptoms can include:

Visual hallucinations: In this situation, the person suffering from Lewy body dementia may see things that are not there. This is called hallucinations. It might be one of the first symptoms of Lewy body dementia, according to the Mayo Clinic. This symptom is often observed regularly and may include seeing shapes, animals, or people that aren't there. Hallucinations involving sounds, smells, or touch are possible.

Movement symptoms: Signs of Parkinson's disease may occur in a person who is suffering from this disease. These symptoms include slowed movement, rigid muscles, tremor, or a shuffling walk.

Poor regulation of body functions: Lewy body dementia can also have an impact on the autonomic nervous system. It is a part of the nervous system that controls automatic functions. This disease can affect how well the autonomic nervous system controls blood pressure, heart rate, sweating, and digestion, resulting in sudden drops in blood pressure upon standing, dizziness, falls, loss of bladder control, and bowel issues such as constipation.

Cognitive changes: People with Lewy body dementia might also witness symptoms similar to those of Alzheimer's disease. Those who suffer from this disease have changes in thinking. These symptoms may include confusion, poor attention, visual-spatial problems, and memory loss.

Sleep Troubles: People who suffer from Lewy body dementia can have rapid eye movement, also known as REM sleep behavior disorder, according to the Mayo Clinic. This disorder makes people physically act out their dreams during sleep. Those with REM sleep behavior disorder might punch, kick, yell, or scream while asleep.

Varying attention: Several other symptoms that may signal Lewy body dementia include episodes of drowsiness, long periods of staring into space, long naps during the day, or disorganized speech.

Depression or apathy: People with Lewy body dementia may end up developing depression or losing motivation.

Causes

People suffering from Lewy body dementia often witness a buildup of proteins known as Lewy bodies. This protein is also associated with Parkinson's disease. People who have Lewy bodies in their brains can also have the plaques and tangles associated with Alzheimer's disease.

Risk factors

According to the Mayo Clinic, there are a few factors that seem to increase the risk of developing Lewy body dementia, including:

Age: People older than 60 have a higher risk of getting the disease.

Gender: Lewy body dementia affects more men than women.

Family history: Those who have a family member with Lewy body dementia or Parkinson's disease are at greater risk.

Complications

Lewy body dementia gradually gets worse over time. As symptoms get worse, the disease can lead to worsening dementia, aggressive behavior, depression, increased risk of falling and injury, worsening of movement symptoms, such as tremors, and death, on average, about 7 to 8 years after symptoms start.