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Lewy body dementias (LBD), 1.4 million in the United States. Presence of Lewy bodies Typically progresses rapidly Lewy Body Dementia Association We understand that though many families are affected by this disease, few individuals and medical professionals are aware of the symptoms, diagnostic criteria, or even that LBD exists. Lewy body dementias (LBD) are the second most common form of degenerative dementia. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is most common. LBD can have three common presentations Some start with a movement disorder leading to the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease and later develop dementia. This is diagnosed as Parkinson’s disease dementia. Others start with a cognitive/memory disorder that may be mistaken for AD, leading to the diagnosis of ‘dementia with Lewy bodies’ (DLB). A small group will first present with neuropsychiatric symptoms, hallucinations, behavioral problems, difficulty with complex mental activities The most common symptoms of LBD include: Impaired thinking, such as loss of executive function (planning, processing information), memory, or the ability to understand visual information Fluctuations in cognition, attention, or alertness Problems with movement, including tremors, stiffness, slowness, and difficulty walking Visual hallucinations (seeing things that are not present) The symptoms of LBD are treatable Early and accurate diagnosis of LBD is essential Early and accurate diagnosis is important because LBD patients may react to certain medications differently than AD or PD patients. A variety of drugs, including some dementia meds and some antiparkinsonian medications, can worsen LBD symptoms. (LBD affects an individual’s brain differently than other dementias). Treatment should always be monitored by a physician and may include prescriptive and other therapies, exercise, diet, sleep habits, changes in behavior, and daily routines. Individuals and families living with LBD should not have to face this disease alone. LBD affects every aspect of a person – their mood, the way they think, and the way they move. The combination of cognitive, motor and behavioral symptoms creates a highly challenging set of demands for continuing care. Physician education is urgently needed. More research is urgently needed. Research needs include tools for early diagnoses, such as screening questionnaires, biomarkers, neuroimaging techniques, and more effective therapies. Currently, there is no specific test to diagnose LBD.
