Are You Aware of These Dementia with Lewy Bodies Risk Factors?

Published: Feb 01, 2024

Identifying risk factors for DLB can help manage the condition better. Knowing what to watch for is half the battle.

Cognitive Fluctuations and Hallucinations

Early cognitive fluctuations and hallucinations are common in DLB and signal a poorer prognosis. These symptoms can make daily life more challenging and require careful management.

Motor Parkinsonism and Orthostatic Hypotension

Motor symptoms akin to Parkinson's disease, such as rigidity and tremors, are prevalent in DLB. Orthostatic hypotension, or sudden drops in blood pressure, is another risk leading to falls and injuries.

Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB) is a progressive neurological disorder characterized by cognitive fluctuations, hallucinations, motor parkinsonism, and orthostatic hypotension.

Genetic and Imaging Markers

The presence of the APOE e4 allele and hippocampal atrophy on MRI scans are linked to shorter survival in DLB. While these markers are not yet used in routine diagnosis, they offer insights into prognosis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cognitive fluctuations and hallucinations.

Symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease.

It can cause falls and injuries.

The APOE e4 allele is associated with shorter survival.

Key Takeaways

Understanding risk factors can guide better management of DLB.

Want to assess your risk for DLB? Consult with Doctronic today!

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References

Graff-Radford J, Lesnick TG, Boeve BF, et al. Predicting Survival in Dementia With Lewy Bodies With Hippocampal Volumetry. Mov Disord 2016; 31:989.

Rongve A, Soennesyn H, Skogseth R, et al. Cognitive decline in dementia with Lewy bodies: a 5-year prospective cohort study. BMJ Open 2016; 6:e010357.

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