Description
Sir Patrick Stewart, the actor known for Star Trek: The Next Generation and the X-Men films, died on October 28, 2026, at age 86. His family said he had Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia.
What is Alzheimer’s disease?
Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia. Proteins called amyloid and tau build up in the brain as plaques and tangles. They damage nerve cells and the connections between them. Symptoms usually start with memory loss and slowly expand to confusion, trouble with language, poor judgment, and changes in mood or behavior.
What is Lewy body dementia?
Lewy body dementia (LBD) is caused by abnormal deposits of a protein called alpha-synuclein, known as Lewy bodies, inside brain cells. It affects thinking, movement, sleep, and behavior. Hallmark symptoms include:
Visual hallucinations
Fluctuating attention and alertness
Parkinson’s-like movement problems (stiffness, slowness, tremor)
REM sleep behavior disorder (physically acting out dreams)
What is mixed dementia?
Mixed dementia means a person has more than one type at the same time, such as Alzheimer’s and LBD. It’s more common in older adults than many people realize. Symptoms can overlap and change over time.
There’s no cure for either condition yet, but medications and support can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
His family asked that, instead of flowers, people donate to the Johns Hopkins Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center Fund and the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America’s caregiver resources.
This video is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. If you’re worried about memory or cognitive changes, talk with a healthcare professional.
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Healthline content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice. See a licensed medical professional for diagnosis and treatment recommendations. Opinions expressed in this video may not reflect those of Healthline Media.