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Is Dementia with Lewy Bodies Overlooked?
Published: Jul 18, 2024
Dementia with Lewy bodies is a common yet often misdiagnosed degenerative dementia, second only to Alzheimer's. It's crucial to understand its unique features for better diagnosis and care.
Understanding DLB
Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is marked by cognitive decline that disrupts daily life. Unlike Alzheimer's, which starts with memory loss, DLB begins with attention and spatial awareness issues. Early signs can include getting lost while driving or seeing things that aren't there.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Core symptoms of DLB include cognitive fluctuations, visual hallucinations, REM sleep behavior disorder, and parkinsonism. Visual hallucinations are especially telling, with patients seeing well-defined images of people or animals. Sleep issues often precede other symptoms by years.
Challenges in Diagnosis
DLB is often underdiagnosed due to its overlapping symptoms with other dementias. Specific tests and criteria are essential for an accurate diagnosis. These include cognitive assessments and imaging tests that help differentiate DLB from Alzheimer's and Parkinson's-related dementias.
Frequently Asked Questions
DLB is a type of dementia marked by cognitive decline and visual hallucinations.
DLB starts with attention and spatial issues, while Alzheimer's begins with memory loss.
Visual hallucinations are a key symptom of DLB.
DLB diagnosis is complex due to symptom overlap with other dementias.
Key Takeaways
Recognizing the distinct symptoms of DLB is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment.
References
- McKeith IG, Boeve BF, Dickson DW, et al. Diagnosis and management of dementia with Lewy bodies: Fourth consensus report of the DLB Consortium. Neurology 2017; 89:88.
- Salmon DP, Galasko D, Hansen LA, et al. Neuropsychological deficits associated with diffuse Lewy body disease. Brain Cogn 1996; 31:148.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
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