CNN founder Ted Turner died peacefully at his home in Florida on May 6. He was 87 years old and was surrounded by family during his final moments.
Turner transformed global television journalism through CNN and pioneered round-the-clock reporting. It has consistently reshaped broadcast media around the world.
Turner battled Lewy body dementia after publicly revealing his diagnosis in 2018. The neurological disorder took a toll on his mental and physical health over time. In 2025, he was briefly hospitalized with mild pneumonia.
Celebrities with LBDs
Several prominent figures have suffered from Lewy body dementia. Actor Robin Williams’ diagnosis only came to light after his death in 2014. His widow, Susan Schneider, later raised global awareness of the disorder.
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Singer Glen Campbell reportedly experienced symptoms associated with LBD along with Alzheimer’s disease. Actress Estelle Getty, of The Golden Girls fame, died in 2008 of complications from dementia with Lewy bodies.
Here’s what we know about Lewy body dementia, according to the Mayo Clinic.
What is dementia with Lewy bodies?
Lewy body dementia (LBD) is the second most common dementia after Alzheimer’s disease. Protein deposits called Lewy bodies form in the brain’s nerve cells. These deposits affect thinking, memory and movement.
LBD has two forms: dementia with Lewy bodies and dementia with Parkinson’s disease. Mental abilities gradually decline and deteriorate over time.
Symptoms of dementia with Lewy bodies
LBD produces a wide and distinct range of symptoms.
Visual hallucinations are often among the first symptoms of LBD. Patients may regularly see shapes, animals or people that are not there. Hallucinations involving sounds, smells or touch are also possible.
Movement problems mirror those found in Parkinson’s disease. These include slowed movement, stiff muscles, tremors, and a shuffling gait. Falls are a frequent and serious consequence.
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Changes in body function occur because LBD affects the autonomic nervous system. This system controls blood pressure, heart rate, sweating and digestion. Patients may experience a sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing. Dizziness, falls, bladder loss, and constipation are also reported.
Cognitive changes resemble those associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Confusion, poor attention, memory loss, and visual-spatial problems may occur. Thinking difficulties can get significantly worse over time.
Sleep disturbances are a notable feature of LBD. Many patients develop REM sleep behavior disorder. This causes them to physically act out their dreams in their sleep. Punching, kicking, yelling and screaming during sleep are common.
Differing attention is another recognized symptom. Episodes of sleepiness, blank staring, and long daytime sleep may occur. Speech may also be slurred during these episodes.
Patients with LBD often report depression and apathy. People may lose motivation or develop a persistent bad mood.
Dementia with Lewy bodies: Causes and risks
LBD is caused by a build-up of Lewy body proteins in the brain. The same protein is also associated with Parkinson’s disease. In addition, some patients with LBD carry the plaques and tangles associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
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Age is the strongest risk factor for developing LBD. People over the age of 60 face a significantly higher risk. Men are affected more often than women. A family history of LBD or Parkinson’s disease also increases the risk.
LBD is progressive and gets progressively worse over time. As the disease progresses, patients face increasingly serious complications.
These include worsening dementia, aggressive behavior and depression. Falls, injuries and impaired movement are also common. Death occurs on average seven to eight years after the onset of symptoms.
