Dementia with Lewy Bodies

Dementia With Lewy Bodies (DLB) is the second most common neurodegenerative dementia after Alzheimer's disease. It is a combined syndrome of a movement disorder ("Parkinsonism"), cognitive decline and visual hallucinations and is characterized by fluctuations in cognitive ability. It is important to diagnose the disease early and accurately, as proper management of the medical and non-medical therapies is critical to improving the symptoms and quality of life of patients.

Approximately 10-15% of all patients with dementia suffer from DLB, however, due to difficulties in reaching an accurate diagnosis and the need for specialist assessment, the number of patients with dementia who are diagnosed with DLB is only about 6%. 

 

Symptomatic drug treatment can improve the functioning and quality of life for patients and their families. Such drugs include anticholinesterase inhibitor drugs (AChIs) which have been found to be effective in a number of studies in terms of cognitive function and improvement of visual hallucinations. Parkinsonism in DLB can be treated with dopaminergic drugs. They should however be used with caution in order to avoid worsening of other symptoms. 

 

In conclusion, DLB is a common disease but is underdiagnosed. The treatment of patients with this disease involves the careful titration of medications for the memory, behavior and movement disorder in order to improve symptom control and quality of life.