Ted Turner’s death at 87 comes eight years after he introduced he had Lewy physique dementia.
The Turner household confirmed the passing of the NCS Founder and enterprise tycoon in a press release however didn’t share a reason behind dying.
“On behalf of the Turner family, it is with great sadness that we announce the passing of philanthropist, environmentalist and cable pioneer Ted Turner who died peacefully today at age 87, surrounded by his family,” the assertion learn partly.
Turner shared his dementia analysis with the general public in 2018, shortly earlier than he turned 80. He additionally was hospitalized with pneumonia in 2025 and had to get well at a rehab facility, NCS reported.
Ted Turner’s Dementia Diagnosis
The progressive mind dysfunction left Turner drained and exhausted, he instructed told CBS Sunday Morning in 2018.
“That’s the main symptoms, and, forgetfulness,” he mentioned.
But he referred to as it “not nearly as bad” as Alzheimer’s.
The illness impacts greater than 1 million individuals within the U.S., the Lewy Body Dementia Association notes.
Other high-profile sufferers included the late actor Robin Williams and disc jockey Casey Kasem.
What Is Lewy Body Dementia?
While Alzheimer’s illness is the commonest type of degenerative dementia, Lewy physique dementia is the second-most widespread type, the Lewy Body Dementia Association notes.
Lewy physique dementia is commonly misdiagnosed as Alzheimer’s, however the two circumstances have totally different causes and signs, Dr. James E. Galvin, a professor of neurology at NYU Langone Medical Center, beforehand told NBC News.
What Causes Lewy Body Dementia?
Lewy our bodies, named after Dr. Friedrich Lewy who first found them in 1912, are deposits of irregular proteins inside mind cells, in accordance to the Lewy Body Society.
They construct up and have an effect on chemical substances within the mind, which may lead to issues with pondering, motion, conduct, and temper, the National Institute on Aging noted.
It’s not nicely understood why these adjustments occur, however being older is taken into account the best danger issue, with most individuals identified over the age of fifty. Men are extra at danger than girls.
An LBD affected person can both have Parkinson’s illness dementia or dementia with Lewy our bodies — the 2 are intently associated.
But the signs of dementia with Lewy our bodies could worsen faster than these of Parkinson’s illness dementia.
What Are Lewy Body Dementia Symptoms?
The warning indicators could be gentle at first, however worsen with time. They embrace:
- Problems with cognitive capability, consideration, alertness, reminiscence, judgment and focus
- Behavior adjustments
- Hallucinations and delusions
- Slow motion, tremors, problem strolling, or rigidity
- Sleep issues, together with appearing out goals
- Problems with autonomic physique features, similar to bladder and bowel operate
How Is Lewy Body Dementia Diagnosed?
The illness impacts some 1.4 million individuals within the U.S., the Lewy Body Dementia Association estimated, however diagnosing it may be difficult.
Only an post-mortem can present a conclusive analysis, however docs can acknowledge the signs with the assistance of bodily and neurological examinations, psychological standing assessments and mind imaging.
What Is the Treatment?
There isn’t any treatment, however drugs developed to deal with cognitive issues produced by Alzheimer’s illness are additionally given to LBD sufferers.
Physical remedy and train could be helpful.
A affected person goes on to reside for a mean of 5 to eight years after a analysis, however could reside up to 20 extra years, in accordance to Alzheimers.gov.